US Open Highlights – Novak Djokovic has reached his career’s 10th US Open final. The 23-time Grand Slam winner sailed past Ben Shelton with a 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 in the semifinal of the US Open on Friday, September 2023. He will face either Carlos Alcaraz or Daniil Medvedev in the final on Sunday.
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Shelton had flummoxed opponents in New York with his big serve but the 36-year-old second seed Djokovic was able to harness his experience to neutralise a third-set surge from the young American.
“These are the kind of matches and occasions that I still thrive on, that still get me going,” Djokovic said on court. “Trying to work as hard as the young guys.”
Already assured of returning to the top of the world rankings, Djokovic will continue the hunt for his 24th Grand Slam title to match Margaret Court’s all-time singles record on Sunday.
Djokovic was competing in his 47th major semi-final while Shelton was appearing in his first. The difference in experience was apparent throughout the contest. However in the third set, Shelton gave a good fight and took it to the tie-breaker.
In the tie-breaker, the Serb forced Shelton into a forehand error on match point and made a not-so-subtle jab at the American’s favoured celebration as he mimed hanging up the telephone while walking to the net. “Got to hold the nerves and try to be composed in the moment,” said Djokovic. “It was really anybody’s game (at the end) of the third set.”
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