US Open 2025: where to watch live Djokovic vs Alcaraz in decisive semifinal for ranking leadership

The US Open 2025, held in New York, United States, reaches its decisive phase with semifinals promising intense duels among the world’s top tennis names. In the men’s draw, Novak Djokovic takes on Carlos Alcaraz in a matchup that could shift the ATP ranking leadership, while Jannik Sinner faces Felix Auger-Aliassime for the other final spot. In the women’s draw, Aryna Sabalenka, the current champion, plays against Jessica Pegula, and Naomi Osaka, on her journey back to the top, battles Amanda Anisimova. The matches occur this Thursday for the women and Friday for the men, at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, the main court of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center complex. These games determine the finalists of the season’s last Grand Slam, with live broadcasts on sports channels, and involve not only trophies but also record prizes and crucial ranking points. Expectations are high, especially due to the history of rivalries, such as the clash between Djokovic and Alcaraz, who have already starred in memorable finals in other majors. This stage reflects the high competitive level of the tournament, which attracted thousands of spectators and moves the sport globally.

Men’s semifinals stir up the tournament

Novak Djokovic, at 38 years old, continues to show resilience by advancing to the semifinals after overcoming Taylor Fritz in tight sets. The Serbian, seeking his 25th Grand Slam title, now faces Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spanish youngster leading the new generation. Alcaraz, currently world number two, eliminated Jiri Lehecka with authority and expressed a desire for revenge after recent losses to Djokovic. This duel, scheduled for Friday at 4 PM (Brasília time), carries extra tension due to the ranking leadership dispute, where Sinner currently holds 11,480 points against Alcaraz’s 9,590. If the Spaniard advances further than the Italian, he takes the top spot.

Jannik Sinner, the current number one, steps onto the court against Felix Auger-Aliassime at 8 PM on the same Friday. The Italian, who defended important points in this campaign, showed consistency throughout the tournament, while the Canadian surprised with solid victories. Auger-Aliassime, known for his powerful serve, poses a threat, but Sinner enters as the favorite after a dominant season.

The men’s matchups highlight the generational transition in tennis, with veterans like Djokovic resisting the momentum of emerging talents. New York’s hard court favors aggressive styles, which could result in long rallies and spectacular points.

Women’s highlights in the final stretch

Aryna Sabalenka, the Belarusian who won the title in 2024, defends her crown against Jessica Pegula, the American playing at home. The match, scheduled for Thursday at 8 PM, pits Sabalenka’s baseline power against Pegula’s defensive solidity, who overcame challenges to get here. Sabalenka, with her overwhelming serve, seeks to repeat success and solidify her position among the elite.

Naomi Osaka, the Japanese four-time Grand Slam champion, faces Amanda Anisimova at 9:10 PM on the same Thursday. Osaka, who returned to the circuit after motherhood, eliminated Coco Gauff in straight sets, demonstrating physical and mental recovery. Anisimova, the young American, impressed with convincing wins and represents the new crop of US women’s tennis.

These women’s semifinals occur in a context of balance, with the players accumulating victories in preparatory tournaments. The New York crowd, known for its energy, should boost the local athletes, adding extra pressure to the games.

Record prize money boosts competitors

The US Open 2025 distributes the largest prize money in tennis history, totaling 90 million dollars, which further motivates the athletes. The values per phase encourage high-level performances from the initial rounds.

• First round: 110 thousand dollars per player.
• Second round: 154 thousand dollars, representing a significant increase for those who advance.
• Third round: 237 thousand dollars, rewarding initial consistency.
• Round of 16: 400 thousand dollars, a value that already guarantees substantial financial return.
• Quarterfinals: 700 thousand dollars, the phase where semifinalists have already pocketed.
• Semifinals: 1.2 million dollars for the losers of this stage.
• Runner-up: 2.5 million dollars.
• Champion: 5 million dollars, the largest individual prize in a Grand Slam.

This equal structure between men’s and women’s draws reinforces parity in the sport. In doubles, champion teams split 1 million dollars, while in mixed doubles the value reaches 250 thousand dollars per winning pair. These amounts attract the best players and elevate the event’s technical level.

History of rivalries in the spotlight

Djokovic and Alcaraz have faced each other eight times on the professional circuit, with the Serbian leading 5-3. Their recent duels, like the Olympic final in Paris where Alcaraz won, add layers of drama. Djokovic, who honored his daughter Tara with a violin celebration after a victory, shows emotional focus beyond the physical.

Sinner and Auger-Aliassime have a balanced history, with the Italian winning the last encounters. Sinner, who assumed the ranking leadership after major wins, seeks his second New York final. Auger-Aliassime, in turn, recovers form after injuries and aims for a surprise.

In the women’s draw, Sabalenka and Pegula have met multiple times, with the Belarusian dominating on hard courts. Osaka and Anisimova, in past clashes, displayed high-risk games, with powerful winners deciding sets.

These battles revive classic tennis narratives, blending experience and youth on an iconic stage.

Expectations for the finals

The finals are scheduled for Saturday (women’s) and Sunday (men’s), with start times from 5 PM (Brasília time). The semifinal winners will enter as favorites, but the sport’s unpredictability can alter scenarios. Djokovic aims to surpass historical records, while Alcaraz seeks to consolidate his era.

Sinner, with his precision in strokes, may face the winner of the other duel in an Italian-Serbian or Italian-Spanish final. Auger-Aliassime, if he advances, would bring variety to the top.

On the women’s side, Sabalenka seeks back-to-back championships, something rare in the open era. Pegula, supported by the crowd, dreams of her first major. Osaka, with her resilience, may repeat past glories, and Anisimova represents the American future.

The tournament, which started with 128 players per draw, now filters the elite, highlighting adaptations to conditions like wind and humidity in New York.

Curiosities about the featured players

• Novak Djokovic holds 24 Grand Slam titles and seeks the 25th, tying the absolute record.
• Carlos Alcaraz, at 22, already has four majors and is the youngest to win on three different surfaces.
• Jannik Sinner became the first Italian world number one in June 2024.
• Felix Auger-Aliassime achieved his best New York campaign, exceeding post-injury expectations.
• Aryna Sabalenka is known for her characteristic shout during points, energizing matches.
• Jessica Pegula, daughter of billionaires, balances career with philanthropy.
• Naomi Osaka uses tennis for advocacy in mental health and racial equality.
• Amanda Anisimova returned to the top 50 after a pause to prioritize well-being.

These personal facts humanize the athletes, connecting them to the global audience.

Preparation and strategies in the games

Coaches play a crucial role in this phase. Djokovic, guided by Goran Ivanisevic, focuses on physical recovery to endure marathons. Alcaraz, with Juan Carlos Ferrero, emphasizes aggressiveness from the start.

Sinner, under Darren Cahill, prioritizes serve consistency, while Auger-Aliassime works on mobility with Frederic Fontang.

In the women’s draw, Sabalenka adjusts tactics with Anton Dubrov for exploiting Pegula’s weaknesses. Pegula, trained by David Witt, uses rhythm variations.

Osaka, with Wim Fissette, refines returns, and Anisimova focuses on powerful forehands.

These tactical approaches, allied with weather conditions, can decide the winners.

Global impact of the event

The US Open attracts worldwide attention, with broadcasts in over 200 countries. In 2025, the tournament incorporates technologies like hawk-eye live for precise decisions, improving integrity.

Players like Osaka drive discussions on diversity, while Djokovic inspires longevity in the sport.

The economic event moves billions in New York, with sold-out tickets and global sponsors.

Brazilians like Beatriz Haddad Maia and João Fonseca, though eliminated, left positive marks, elevating national tennis.

Evolution of the tournament over the years

Since its founding in 1881, the US Open evolved from grass to hard courts in 1978, democratizing the game.

In 2025, it celebrates equal pay since 1973, a pioneer in sports.

Records like Djokovic’s 24 titles highlight his era, while youngsters like Alcaraz signal renewal.

The Flushing Meadows complex, with 22 courts, hosts over 700 thousand spectators annually.

These historical elements enrich the current narrative.

Operational details of the semifinals

• Broadcast: ESPN and SporTV channels cover live, with streaming on digital platforms.
• Tickets: Prices range from 200 to 1000 dollars for semifinals, with maximum capacity.
• Weather: Forecast of mild temperatures, favoring night games.
• Rules: Sets with tie-break in the fifth, no advantage in the deciding game.

These logistical aspects ensure fluidity and safety.

The tournament proceeds with intensity, setting the stage for champions who will enter history.