The opening week of the US Open 2025 has set the stage for an exciting battle between experience and youth. While 38-year-old Novak Djokovic continues his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title, Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz is showcasing the talent and dominance that could soon return him to the world No. 1 spot.
Alcaraz Advances to Third Round
Carlos Alcaraz delivered a commanding performance against Italy’s Mattia Bellucci, winning 6–1, 6–0, 6–3 in just 96 minutes. The 22-year-old Spaniard hit 32 winners, won 86% of his first-serve points, and did not face a single breakpoint, emphasizing his growing reputation as one of the most feared players on hard courts.
Earlier, Alcaraz had defeated American Reilly Opelka in straight sets, keeping his hopes alive to reclaim the ATP top ranking. To overtake Jannik Sinner, he must at least reach the final and hope the Italian doesn’t progress further.
Djokovic Survives Early Challenge
On the other side of the draw, Novak Djokovic had a tough fight against American qualifier Zachary Svajda. After losing the first set in a tiebreak, Djokovic fought back to win 6–7(5), 6–3, 6–3, 6–1. The win marks his 19th straight appearance in the third round of the US Open and allows him to break Roger Federer’s record for the most hard-court Grand Slam wins.
After the match, Djokovic acknowledged how tough it is to stay in peak form at 38: “Every match still matters. I’m driven by the love for this sport and the pursuit of history.”
The Road Ahead
If the seedings stay the same, fans could see a major showdown between Alcaraz and Djokovic in the later rounds, a matchup representing tennis’s generational shift. For Djokovic, it’s a chance to extend his dominance and add to his legacy. For Alcaraz, it’s about proving he is the true heir to the throne.
As the tournament moves on, the US Open continues to live up to its reputation as the most electrifying Grand Slam, where legends chase history and rising stars make their own mark.
