Novak Djokovic survived a stern test from Taylor Fritz to reach the US Open semi-finals with a 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 victory at Flushing Meadows. The 38-year-old Serb was pushed to the limit by the American, who fought back from two sets down and threatened a remarkable comeback before Djokovic’s trademark composure prevailed.
Djokovic started strongly but faced significant resistance as Fritz grew into the match. The American broke serve late in the second set, only to hand the advantage straight back, and then took the third set as the New York crowd rallied behind him. In the fourth, Fritz served to stay in the match at 4-5 but could not hold off Djokovic, who saved 11 of 13 break points across the contest.
“Incredibly close match, it was really anybody’s match,” Djokovic said. “I thought I was lucky to save some crucial break points in the second set. I think for most of the second and third set, he was the better player. In these kinds of matches, few points decide the winner. It was fortunately coming on my side.”
With this victory, Djokovic becomes the oldest man in the Open era to reach the semi-finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments in a single year. He has now defeated three top-five opponents at majors this season, including Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, and will face Alcaraz next after the Spaniard eased past Jiri Lehecka in straight sets earlier on Wednesday.
Fritz, wearing his bandana upside down so its logo read “ssob” instead of “boss”, showed grit and determination but ultimately fell short in his bid for a first major semi-final. The American had been in strong form, establishing himself as a consistent top-five player and the No 1 from his country, yet could not convert his superiority into a decisive breakthrough.
