Novak Djokovic has set the stage for a blockbuster US Open semi-final against Carlos Alcaraz after a gritty performance that saw him overcome American Taylor Fritz.
The fourth seed, Fritz, continuously pressured Djokovic’s serve, but the Serbian star defended against numerous break points and a hostile crowd to secure a 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 victory.
Djokovic remarked that he felt “lucky” at times during the match, stating: “It was an incredibly close match; it was really anybody’s match. I think for most of the second and third sets, he was the better player.”
To reach the final and continue his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, Djokovic must now overcome second seed Alcaraz.
The Spaniard, 16 years Djokovic’s junior, earned his place in the last four earlier on Tuesday with a rapid 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Czech Jiri Lehecka.
The remaining men’s singles quarter-finals will occur in New York on Wednesday, with eighth seed Alex de Minaur facing Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, followed by world number one Jannik Sinner taking on fellow Italian Lorenzo Musetti.
Alcaraz, alongside Sinner, has emerged as a dominant force in men’s tennis since the iconic era of Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal.
With both Federer and Nadal now retired, Djokovic is the sole active member of the legendary trio, and time is of the essence as he pursues the 25th major title, which would put him ahead of Australia’s Margaret Court.
Against Fritz, however, he exhibited the resilience that has often characterised his illustrious career.
Djokovic made a strong start, breaking Fritz’s opening service game to establish a 3-0 lead.
After missing a set point at 5-2, he managed to fend off a fightback from Fritz, saving five break points before eventually serving out the first set.
Fritz continued to pose a threat in the second set, yet he grew increasingly frustrated as he squandered his opportunities. Djokovic seized his chance to move ahead 4-3.
Just as Djokovic was poised to serve for a two-set lead, Fritz finally converted his first break point—after a remarkable eleven attempts.
