Djokovic Faces Alcaraz For US Open Final Spot
Tennis legend Novak Djokovic earned a hard-fought 6-3 7-5 3-6 6-4 win over Taylor Fritz in the US Open to set up a semi-final clash with Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic enjoyed an impressive start, breaking Fritz’s opening service game to race to a 3-0 lead before Fritz staged a stunning fightback but he saved five break points before eventually serving out the opener.
Fritz improved in the second set but he was unable to finish his opportunities before Djokovic raced to a 4-3 lead.
He dropped three double faults and an unforced error in the next game and Djokovic then made no mistake in closing out the set.
Djokovic regained his composure to see out an impressive victory in an encounter that lasted for three hours and 24 minutes.
The 38-year-old will take on Carlos Alcaraz in the last four on Friday for a chance to qualify for the final.
Alcaraz has defeated Djokovic in two Wimbledon finals, but Djokovic won their last two encounters including the 2024 Olympic final.
Djokovic admitted he was lucky to advance to the US Open semi-final following a tough duel with Fritz.
He said: “Incredibly close match. It was really anybody’s match. I thought I was lucky to save some crucial break points in the second set. I think for most of the second and third set, he was a better player. In these kinds of matches, a few points decide the winner.
“That last game was nerve-wracking. Tough one for Taylor to finish with a double fault, he didn’t deserve that, but a great fight and a great tournament for him.
“I didn’t feel like I was dominating today from the back of the court. In many of my service games, I was just trying to stay alive, fight for every ball. He was aggressive, staying close to the line. It’s not easy to play him. At the end of the day, winning matters and I’m really proud of the fight that I put in and I always wear my heart on my sleeve for this sport. I’m still enjoying it.”
Djokovic has reached the semi-finals at all four majors this season, marking the seventh time in his career that he has achieved that feat. He holds a 31-9 season win/loss record.
He has won the US Open four times, and he is targeting a record-extending 25th major crown.
Alcaraz has reached the last four of a Grand Slam without dropping a set for the first time in his career – and is the youngest man to do so since Rafael Nadal at the 2008 French Open.
Djokovic Faces Alcaraz For US Open Final Spot is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
