On Tuesday, Novak Djokovic secured his place in the US Open semifinals with a decisive win against American player Taylor Fritz.
The second-ranked player appeared confident and quick on the court, hitting winners from various angles to secure a 6-1 6-4 6-4 victory.
Fritz displayed moments of his potential as one of the up-and-coming stars in the world of tennis, but he ultimately succumbed to Djokovic’s unrelenting pressure.
Djokovic’s win secured his chance to continue pursuing a 24th grand slam title, matching Margaret Court’s record and extending his own record for most wins in men’s singles.
Djokovic is set to compete against another American player in the semifinals, playing against whoever emerges victorious between Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton. Despite this, he expressed his excitement for simply experiencing the moment of reaching yet another grand slam semifinal.
After winning the match, Djokovic was clearly filled with joy and he invited the audience to join him in singing along to the popular song “Fight For Your Right” by the Beastie Boys.
“I am perspiring heavily. I noticed that Taylor changed shirts multiple times due to the high humidity,” Djokovic stated during his on-court interview when questioned about the climate within the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“It can be challenging to perform, but that’s why we practice and strive to be in optimal shape to deliver. It’s not a simple task, but we must persevere, as the famous song reminds us, and fight for our right to celebrate.”
The Serbian player has returned to the United States for the first time since 2021, as he is not vaccinated. However, he wasted no time in getting back on track and won the Cincinnati Open before the US Open. He defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a memorable final.
Throughout the New York tournament, Djokovic has consistently displayed a formidable presence and the quarterfinal match was yet another platform for him to showcase his exceptional tennis skills.
“I enjoy the court’s energy and atmosphere. It fuels me to give my best in tennis,” Djokovic stated.
“I have been competing on this court for many years, participating in countless unforgettable matches. I am eagerly anticipating another one in just a few days.”
Fritz outclassed
In only 43 minutes, Djokovic quickly took the first set against Fritz, who is ranked 9th in the world. He showcased impressive returns and served exceptionally well.
At 25 years old, Fritz displayed determination as he fought his way back into the game and challenged the esteemed tennis player in the second set. Unfortunately, despite his strong efforts, Djokovic gained control of the match with an early break in the set.
Fritz, who is having his most successful performance at his local major tournament, continued to improve throughout the match and provided Djokovic with a challenging third set.
The American player gained several opportunities to break the 36-year-old’s serve, but Djokovic remained composed and performed well during crucial moments to maintain his lead.
Numerous spectators within the Arthur Ashe Stadium remained supportive of Fritz during the match, however, Djokovic managed to utilize the partisan audience to his advantage. He let out a triumphant roar upon winning the final match point.
Source: cnn.com
