'Happy retirement Djokovic': Fans doubt Novak’s 25th Grand Slam chances after US Open exit

Novak Djokovic’s dream of winning a record 25th Grand Slam title suffered another big blow at the 2025 US Open. The 24-time Slam winner lost in straight sets to Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals on Saturday, going down 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Novak Djokovic started the match well and even looked sharp in the opening set, but Alcaraz soon took control and dominated the proceedings. The Spaniard didn’t give Djokovic much space to fight back. After two close sets, Alcaraz snatched the third, sealing his spot in the final against Jannik Sinner.

The latest defeat is Djokovic’s first against Alcaraz on a hard court. He had beaten him in the 2025 Australian Open and also at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It has been tough for the Serbian star as he has now lost to either Sinner or Alcaraz in three of the four majors this season.

More from Tennis

How long will Djokovic continue playing? Tennis icon drops big statement: 'US Open sounded bit like a goodbye' 'He always gives players their due': Djokovic praised for humble reaction after US Open loss to Alcaraz

Fans call for Djokovic’s retirement

Fans on social media didn’t hold back. Many expressed disappointment and frustration, saying Djokovic’s dream of a 25th Slam might never happen. Some even went as far as to call for his retirement. One user said that Djokovic should have retired after he won the Olympics last year.

Yeah like against Alcaraz in the Olympics! That was over a year ago, wasn't it? Ah well happy retirement Djokovic

— Aaron Middleton (@AaronMi00102221) September 5, 2025

There is a time when the body starts talking to us. Its important to listen and respond to what it's saying. Right now, Djokovic's is screaming retirement

— Naks2002 (@jabula2020) September 5, 2025

Well deserved. Djokovic was nowhere to be found. I hope he’s thinking of and about retirement. https://t.co/NsPE7ANd29

— TeeSaidSo 🇵🇸 (@AbandonedOne) September 5, 2025

I think Djokovic miscalculated his retirement. He could have retired the day he won Olympics.

— Goatovic (@Big1ofTennis) September 5, 2025

Djokovic you are the GOAT but I’m afraid it’s time for retirement. It’s impossible for you now to get past Sinner and Alcaraz.

Anyways, I’ll be rooting for Alcaraz on Sunday in that final against Sinner 😁 https://t.co/RdeEgVB1Eo

— Nobetha 🤍 (@Cvvee_) September 5, 2025

I think Djokovic may announce his retirement soon.

He won’t continue if he thinks he can’t win any more majors.

— Ru 🎾 (@RuTheRealest) September 5, 2025

Meanwhile, Djokovic has suggested that he is not done yet. He said that he is not giving up on Grand Slams and will continue to fight and try to make the finals to win his 25th title. However, he admitted that it will be a tough job, given the current form of Sinner and Alcaraz.

“It will be very difficult for me in the future to overcome the hurdle of Sinner and Alcaraz in BO5, I have better chance in best-of-three. I’m not giving up on Grand Slams in that regard. Having said that I’m going to continue fighting and trying to get to the finals, to fight for the trophy, at least, but it’s going to be a very difficult task,” Djokovic said.

“I lost three out of four slams in semi-finals to the two of them, they’re just too good. They’re playing on a really high level. Unfortunately, I just ran out of gas after the second set. Think I had enough energy to keep up with his rhythm for two sets, after that I was gassed out,” he added.