NEW YORK, USA — Novak Djokovic was pushed to his limits but ultimately prevailed against home-favorite Taylor Fritz on Tuesday night, securing his spot in the US Open semifinals. The 38-year-old battled through a grueling four-set match, winning 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, to extend his perfect head-to-head record against Fritz to 11-0.
With the victory, Djokovic, the four-time US Open champion, has tied Jimmy Connors for the most semi-final appearances in tournament history with 14.
The Match: A Battle of Poise and Missed Opportunities
The quarterfinal was defined by a series of tense, high-stakes moments. Djokovic saved his first 10 break points of the night, frustrating the American and a pro-Fritz crowd. In the second set, after Fritz finally broke his serve, Djokovic responded with a break of his own and went on to claim the set, celebrating with a visible emotional release to the crowd.
Despite a visible frustration with his own play, the 27-year-old Fritz found a third-set groove, riding his powerful serve and forehand to force a fourth set. However, a series of untimely unforced errors and double faults at critical moments, including a double fault on a break point in the fourth set, ultimately cost him the match.
The Road to No. 25: A Season of Injury and Perseverance
Djokovic’s win at Flushing Meadows is a testament to his resilience in a season plagued by physical setbacks. He was forced to retire from the Australian Open semifinals due to a muscle tear and withdrew from the French Open with a torn meniscus. He also dealt with a toe blister and ongoing issues with his neck and lower back during the US Open itself.
Despite these challenges, Djokovic continues to make history. His victory over Fritz makes him the oldest man to reach the US Open quarterfinals since Jimmy Connors in 1991. The win also marked his 36th consecutive victory in the first two rounds of the US Open, a perfect all-time record.
Looking Ahead: A Blockbuster Semifinal Against Alcaraz
The victory sets up a highly anticipated semifinal clash against rival Carlos Alcaraz. The 22-year-old Spaniard has been in dominant form, reaching the last four without dropping a single set. While Djokovic holds a 5-3 lead in their head-to-head series, Alcaraz has won their last two Grand Slam encounters. The match will be a defining moment for both players, with Djokovic aiming to get one step closer to a record-extending 25th major title and Alcaraz seeking to reassert his dominance over his greatest rival.
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