The men’s semifinals of the US Open 2025, scheduled for Friday, September 5, at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, feature four of tennis’s biggest names: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Felix Auger-Aliassime. These matches, determining the finalists of the season’s final Grand Slam, pit Djokovic against Alcaraz at 4:00 PM (Brasília time) and Sinner against Auger-Aliassime at 8:00 PM. The duels carry historic rivalries, battles for the ATP top ranking, and the pursuit of career-defining titles. Held at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the event promises intense matches and draws global attention, with live broadcasts on ESPN, SporTV, and Disney+. The tournament also offers record prize money, with $1.2 million guaranteed for semifinalists.
Serbian Novak Djokovic, at 38, reaches his 14th US Open semifinal, matching Jimmy Connors’ record. He faces young Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, world number 2, in a match that could shift the ATP ranking lead. In the other semifinal, Italian Jannik Sinner, the current world number 1, aims to solidify his position against the surprising Felix Auger-Aliassime, who returns to a Grand Slam semifinal after four years. The final is set for Sunday, September 7, and could crown Djokovic with his 25th Major title, Alcaraz with his second New York triumph, or Sinner with a second US Open title. Auger-Aliassime seeks his first Grand Slam trophy.
- Key semifinal highlights:
- Djokovic vs. Alcaraz: their first US Open encounter.
- Sinner vs. Auger-Aliassime: a clash of precision versus power.
- Prize money: $1.2 million for semifinalists, $2.5 million for the runner-up, and $5 million for the champion.
The tournament, held since 1881, is the highest-paying Grand Slam, with a total prize pool of $75 million in 2025. It expects over 700,000 spectators, reinforcing its global sporting significance.
Path to the semifinals
The four semifinalists’ journeys in the 2025 US Open reflect their skills and moments of resilience. Carlos Alcaraz, 22, advanced without dropping a set, dominating Jiri Lehecka 3-0 in the quarterfinals. The Spaniard, who won Roland Garros in 2025, relies on speed and aggression to challenge Djokovic, who leads their head-to-head 5-3. The Serbian overcame Taylor Fritz in four sets, showing physical resilience despite earlier knee issues. With 24 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic aims to become the sole record holder, surpassing his tie with Margaret Court.
Jannik Sinner, the reigning US Open champion, displayed consistency by defeating Lorenzo Musetti 3-0 (6/1, 6/4, 6/2) in the quarters, in a two-hour display at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Italian, world number 1 with 11,480 points, won 85% of his service points in the tournament, excelling in precision and fitness. Felix Auger-Aliassime, the tournament’s surprise, reached the semifinals after an epic comeback against Alex de Minaur, with scores of 4/6, 7/6(9-7), 7/5, and 8/6. The Canadian, ranked 27th, defeated players like Alexander Zverev and Andrey Rublev, climbing to 13th and eyeing the top 10 with a historic run.
- Standout players in the campaign:
- Alcaraz: averages 50 winners per match, no sets dropped.
- Djokovic: 14th New York semifinal, dominant in tie-breaks.
- Sinner: saved seven break points against Musetti.
- Auger-Aliassime: 28 aces and 22nd win against top-10 players.
Rivalries and history
The Djokovic-Alcaraz matchup is one of the season’s most anticipated. They’ve faced off eight times, with Djokovic winning five, including the last two: the Paris 2024 Olympic final (7/6, 7/6) and the 2025 Australian Open quarters. Alcaraz, however, prevailed in the 2023 Wimbledon final in five sets, securing his second Grand Slam. This is their first US Open clash, completing their Major matchups. The match carries extra stakes: an Alcaraz win could propel him to the ATP number 1 spot, overtaking Sinner, while Djokovic aims to thwart a final between the young stars.
In the other semifinal, Sinner faces Auger-Aliassime in a clash of contrasting styles. The Italian leads their head-to-head 3-1, winning the last three encounters in straight sets, including a Masters 1000 match. Auger-Aliassime, however, has surprised at the US Open with powerful serves and aggressive play, amassing 28 aces and converting key breaks against De Minaur. His current run marks his second Grand Slam semifinal, the first since 2021, also in New York.
- Key head-to-head moments:
- Djokovic vs. Alcaraz: Olympic final in Paris 2024, Djokovic won in tie-breaks.
- Sinner vs. Auger-Aliassime: three straight Sinner wins since 2022.
- Alcaraz vs. Djokovic: five-set Wimbledon 2023 final, Alcaraz champion.
Match dynamics
The Djokovic-Alcaraz semifinal promises a tactical and physical battle. Djokovic, known for adaptability in long matches, adjusted his training to ensure endurance after knee issues in Wimbledon 2025. His team focused on resilience against Alcaraz’s explosive style, blending speed, power, and net approaches. The Spaniard, with six 2025 titles, including Roland Garros, enters confidently without dropping sets. The US Open’s hard court, with its medium speed, suits both, but Djokovic’s tie-break prowess could be decisive.
Sinner faces an in-form Auger-Aliassime. The Canadian, with two 2025 titles (Adelaide and Montpellier), relies on powerful serves and rhythm changes to unsettle the Italian. Sinner, with 85% service point efficiency and baseline precision, is the favorite, but Auger-Aliassime’s resilience, shown in his De Minaur comeback, could extend the match. The duel tests Sinner’s consistency as he aims for a second consecutive New York final.
- Factors that could decide the matches:
- Djokovic: experience in five-set matches and tie-break efficiency.
- Alcaraz: aggression and 50 winners per game average.
- Sinner: precise serving and solid defense against big serves.
- Auger-Aliassime: 28 aces and net approaches to surprise.
Tournament significance
The 2025 US Open marks the climax of an intense men’s tennis season. Beyond the title, it impacts the ATP rankings. Sinner, with 11,480 points, leads, followed by Alcaraz with 9,590. An Alcaraz semifinal win, paired with a Sinner loss, could flip the top spot. Djokovic, currently seventh, seeks points to return to the top 5. Auger-Aliassime’s run ensures a ranking jump, potentially reaching the top 10 with a final berth.
The tournament highlights the new generation, with Alcaraz and Sinner representing tennis’s future, while Djokovic, at 38, remains highly competitive. Auger-Aliassime, 25, emerges as a dark horse, showcasing the circuit’s depth. The record $5 million champion’s prize and $2.5 million for the runner-up elevate the event’s stakes, attracting the world’s best players.
- US Open 2025 numbers:
- Total prize money: $75 million, the highest among Grand Slams.
- Expected attendance: over 700,000 spectators.
- History: held since 1881, with Connors, Sampras, and Federer tied at five titles.
Final expectations
The 2025 US Open semifinals promise matches that could become tennis history. Djokovic and Alcaraz’s rivalry offers a generational clash, while Sinner and Auger-Aliassime pit the new guard against an underdog’s unpredictability. Sunday’s final could feature a classic Alcaraz-Sinner showdown, a Djokovic-Sinner rematch, or a surprise with Auger-Aliassime. The Arthur Ashe Stadium, seating 23,771, will host duels blending technique, emotion, and compelling narratives.
The event cements the US Open’s status as the top Grand Slam in prize money and attendance. Live broadcasts on ESPN, SporTV, and Disney+ ensure global reach, while social media amplifies engagement, with posts celebrating the semifinalists’ campaigns. The tournament, which has crowned legends like Pete Sampras and Roger Federer, may usher in a new chapter in men’s tennis history.
- What’s at stake in the final:
- Djokovic: chance for a 25th Grand Slam title.
- Alcaraz: potential to reclaim the ATP number 1 spot.
- Sinner: pursuit of a second US Open title and top-rank consolidation.
- Auger-Aliassime: first Grand Slam title and top-10 return.