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Novak Djokovic came through in four sets to beat Taylor Fritz for the 11th time. He will face Carlos Alcaraz next in the US Open semifinals. (AP)
Novak Djokovic moved into his 14th US Open semi-final after beating Taylor Fritz in four sets on Tuesday. The 38-year-old Serbian star won 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, continuing his perfect record against Fritz.
He will continue his quest for a 25th major title and will face Carlos Alcaraz next.The match was a tough battle, with Fritz pushing Djokovic to his limits. "Incredibly close match," Djokovic said after the match. "It was really anybody's match." He admitted that Fritz played better during most of the second and third sets, but key points made the difference.Despite some early tournament struggles and needing medical attention, Djokovic has found his rhythm.
With the win, he equalled Jimmy Connors' record for most US Open semi-final appearances at 14.The final moments of the match were particularly tense. "That last game was nerve-racking," Djokovic shared. He showed sympathy for Fritz, who ended the match with a double fault. "He didn't deserve that, but a great fight and a great tournament for him."Looking ahead, Djokovic will meet Alcaraz in what promises to be an exciting semi-final.
It will be their first meeting at Flushing Meadows, with Djokovic leading their overall matchups 5-3, including wins in their last two encounters.
Djokovic praised Fritz's aggressive play and admitted he struggled at times. “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.
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 wear my heart on my sleeve always for this sport.
I’m still enjoying it.”Novak Djokovic creates milestones in US Open win53 - Djokovic has reached the most Grand Slam semi-finals (men or women). He goes past Chris Evert's tally of 52. The list also includes Roger Federer (46), Martina Navratilova (44), Serena Williams (40).7 - Djokovic has the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams in the same year for the seventh time14 - Djokovic has been to the semi-finals of the US Open 14 times now - same as the Wimbledon. He's reached the last-four 13 times at the French Open and 12-times at the Australian Open14-0 - Djokovic has never lost a US Open quarter-final. It is the most men's singles semifinals in tournament's history, alongside Jimmy Connors