Djokovic Extends Fritz‘s US Open Misery, Reaches Semifinals After Grueling Quarterfinal
NEW YORK – Novak Djokovic weathered a spirited challenge from Taylor fritz, ultimately prevailing 6-1, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in a grueling quarterfinal at the US Open on Tuesday, extending Fritz’s winless record against the Serbian to eight matches and advancing to the tournament’s semifinals. The victory marks Djokovic’s 47th Grand Slam semifinal appearance, continuing his relentless pursuit of a record-breaking 24th major title.Fritz mounted a resolute comeback, particularly in the second and third sets, raising the energy of the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd and pushing Djokovic to grind out a victory that wasn’t his best performance. Tho, the american’s comeback bid ultimately fell short, leaving him to contemplate a missed opportunity against a player who consistently elevates his game when it matters most. “He was the better player in the second and third set,” Djokovic admitted. “I thought, for my standards, that I wasn’t playing well. I don’t know. I didn’t feel the ball as well as I did feel the ball in the third round.”
The match’s narrative hinged on Djokovic’s ability to withstand Fritz’s rallies and capitalize on crucial moments. Despite Fritz’s improved play, the American faced a daunting path to victory, needing to overcome Djokovic and possibly navigate a semifinal clash with Carlos Alcaraz and a potential final against Jannik Sinner. “Realistically I just can’t come out of those first two sets down two sets to love,” Fritz conceded.
Djokovic’s experience and mental fortitude proved decisive, particularly in a tight fourth set that could have swung either way. The Serbian ultimately secured the victory with a double fault from Fritz on the third match point.”Realistically I just had one game [in the fourth set] where I just had a chance to break him, which was the last one,” Djokovic said. ”You know, the one that gave me the victory, and he gifted me with the double fault.”
Fritz, now 27, acknowledged the difference between competing with and defeating a player of Djokovic’s caliber. “ultimately, that’s one of the things that makes the great players great,” Fritz said. “They win the big points, and that’s something that I kind of touched on before the match is.I’m going to need to go out and take those points from him. He’s not just going to hand them over to me.” The loss leaves Fritz still searching for his first Grand Slam title, facing an increasingly challenging landscape with the continued rise of Alcaraz and Sinner alongside Djokovic’s enduring dominance.
