Djokovic exits, desire of No.25 is still burning

In the early stages of his career, Novak Djokovic was the villain.

- Shahid Judge

He was the young gun who dared to dream even as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal reigned supreme. He played through jeers, convincing himself that the boos were actually chants of “Nole,” his nickname. But he’s played and achieved long enough to see himself now become a hero. And on Friday night, ina packed Arthur Ashe Stadium, the 38-year-old Serb did not have to imagine anything. There were deafening cries of “Nole”.

Djokovic is the most decorated Grand Slams singles player in the Open Era, with an all-time joint record of 24 titles. He has won every important title the sport has to offer. But now he is an underdog with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz ruling the roost. And in his latest attempt to get the better of them, world No.2 Alcaraz ran away a 6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-2 winner in the US Open semifinal on Friday night in New York.