US Open Highlights – Novak Djokovic sailed past Taylor Fritz in straight sets to book spot in the semifinal at the US Open on Tuesday, 5th September 2023. With the victory, Djokovic has entered his 14th straight semifinal at the Flushing Meadows.
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While Fritz’s Grand Slam came to an end, the U.S. is guaranteed at least one player in the men’s semi-finals. Djokovic will face either Frances Tiafoe or Ben Shelton for a spot in Sunday’s final.
“It’s expected of course that people are backing the home player and there is nothing wrong with that,” said Djokovic. “I actually like the energy, like the atmosphere on center court here. Day sessions, night sessions, people are getting into it.”
“I’m fine with that. I thrive on that energy and try to use it as a fuel. I’ve been playing on this court for so many years, so many epic matches, I can’t wait for another one in a few days time.”
25-year-old Fritz had his opportunities but could convert only two of 12 break chances. With the loss, he has lost all seven career meetings with Djokovic. He has never beaten a top-10 opponent at a Grand Slam.
Djokovic wasted no time ending both those runs, breaking the American three times and then taking the first set with a booming ace. Fritz finally held serve to open the second but was soon feeling the pressure again with Djokovic breaking the ninth seed a fourth time to go ahead 2-1 and close out the set in the same emphatic style with an ace.
With the crowd getting behind him, Fritz would offer up more resistance in the third but could not find a way back, with the 36-year-old Serb getting the decisive break at 5-4 and then holding serve – improving to 13-0 in U.S. Open quarter-finals.
