Novak Djokovic once again proved too strong for Taylor Fritz, defeating the American 6-4, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 to reach the US Open semi-finals. The victory extended Djokovic's flawless record against Fritz to 11-0, with the 38-year-old Serb battling through a subpar performance to advance.
Fritz, who had never beaten Djokovic, squandered 10 break-point opportunities in the first two sets, a statistic he described as “embarrassing”. The American admitted he had chances to take control when Djokovic was vulnerable but failed to convert. “The fact that I was 0-10, that's putting it nicely,” Fritz said. “I had so many more chances that you're not going to see on a stat line.”
Djokovic, who struggled with his serve throughout, credited his win to grit and heart rather than form. “It's one of those days where you just have to grind,” he said. “You just have to play with your heart and fight. That's what really gave me the win in the end.” The Serb saved multiple break points in key games, including five while serving for the first set.
Fritz rallied in the third set, raising the noise in Arthur Ashe Arena, but could not sustain the momentum. A tight fourth set swung Djokovic's way when Fritz double-faulted on match point. “Realistically I just can't come out of those first two sets down two sets to love,” Fritz lamented. The 27-year-old now faces an uphill battle to win a Grand Slam, with Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Sinner dominating the top of the game.
Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals, a rematch of last year's final. Despite his struggles, the 24-time Grand Slam champion remains a formidable opponent, capable of raising his level when it matters most.
