Quarter Finals Match Djokovic vs Fritz. Image: US Open shared via Instagram.
(The Post News)– Novak Djokovic dashed Taylor Fritz’s hopes at the US Open, delivering a four-set win to remain in contention for a record-setting 25th Grand Slam title.
The Serbian star overcame the American 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, securing a place in the semi-finals where he will face Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in a highly anticipated showdown. Despite entering the match with a perfect 10-0 record against Fritz, 38-year-old Djokovic had to dig deep at Arthur Ashe Stadium. He appeared physically taxed at times but still managed to extend his unbeaten run against the fourth seed.
Djokovic Reaches Semis in All Four Grand Slams
With this victory, he has now reached the semi-finals at all four Grand Slams this season, matching that achievement for the seventh time in his career, and ties Jimmy Connors’ US Open record with his 14th semi-final appearance. He also becomes the oldest man to reach this stage at the tournament since Connors in 1991.
Djokovic dealt with a restless New York crowd throughout the match. Fans disrupted his service motion more than once, prompting him to respond with shushing gestures and sarcastic kisses after sealing the second set. Tensions escalated further in the third when Djokovic confronted umpire Damien Dumusois over noise levels, while Fritz used the momentum to steal the set and threaten a comeback.
“It was a very tight match that could’ve gone either way,” he said after the win. “I was fortunate to save some crucial break points in the second and third sets. Matches like this often come down to just a few points. It’s a tough way for Taylor to finish, especially on a double fault; he didn’t deserve that. I’m just really proud of the fight I put in. I always wear my heart on my sleeve.”
Djokovic had to fend off five break points while serving for the opening set before converting his second opportunity. Though Fritz finally broke through on his 11th break point in the second set, he gave the break right back with a poor service game at 5-5. Djokovic looked poised to close the match in straight sets, but Fritz rallied with strong support from the crowd and took the third.
In the fourth, both players held serve tightly until the 10th game, when Djokovic ramped up the pressure. Fritz saved two match points with gritty rallies but double-faulted on the third, handing Djokovic the win.
After sealing the victory, Djokovic broke into a choreographed dance on court to celebrate his daughter Tara’s eighth birthday. “She’s going to grade me tomorrow on the dance,” he said with a smile. “She taught me. It’s from K-Pop Demon Hunters; the song is called Soda Pop. It’s apparently a huge trend among kids and teens, though I didn’t know about it until she showed me. We’ve been practicing the moves at home. Hopefully, it makes her smile when she wakes up.”
Djokovic now prepares for a blockbuster semi-final clash with Alcaraz, who has not dropped a set all tournament and defeated Jiri Lehecka with ease earlier in the day. With Flushing Meadows glory just two matches away, Djokovic remains focused on securing his fifth US Open title and etching his name further into tennis history.
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