Tim Henman says Novak Djokovic is "absolutely incredible" but the former six-time Grand Slam semifinalist believes Carlos Alcaraz is the clear favorite to beat the 16 years older opponent in their upcoming US Open showdown.
Reflecting on the 38-year-old's four-set quarterfinal win over world No. 4 Taylor Fritz, Henman praised the former world No. 1's performance but also noted that he didn't feel like the record 24-time Grand Slam was "getting any better" at this stage of his career.
However, Djokovic still got the job done and he is through to his fourth Grand Slam semifinal of the year. There, the four-time US Open winner will try to make his 2025 Slam breakthrough and make his first final of the year. But it will be easier said than done since he is playing against 22-year-old Alcaraz, who has been absolutely impressive and hasn't dropped a set at Flushing Meadows this year.
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Henman: Alcaraz has got 16 years on Djokovic, and that's to his advantage
I give Alcaraz the edge in that one. The way hes been playing is phenomenalall the different shots hes coming up with, but also the physicality. His movement is just absolutely incredible. Hes got 16 years on Djokovic, and I think thats to his advantage. But Novakhas been incredible in the slams. This is his fourth semi-final of the year, and hes won here numerous times. Hes looking for that 25th slam, so you wouldnt put it past him. But Alcaraz, for me, starts as the clear favorite," Henman explained.
Alcaraz and Djokovic will meet for the ninth time on the main level when they square off against each other in New York. When it comes to their Grand Slam meetings, the Serb beat the Spaniard in the 2023 French Open semifinal and this year's Australian Open quarterfinal. But the Spaniard triumphed in their back-to-back Wimbledon final battles in 2023 and 2024.
