djokovic vs fritz
NEW YORK – In a display of relentless resilience and clutch performance, Novak Djokovic advanced to a record-tying 14th US Open semifinal on Tuesday night, overcoming a fierce challenge from American Taylor Fritz. The Novak Djokovic US Open victory, sealed with a 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 scoreline, was a testament to the Serbian champion’s ability to thrive under pressure and capitalize on critical moments. The win not only extends his quest for a historic 25th Grand Slam title but also sets up a highly anticipated semifinal clash with his young rival, Carlos Alcaraz. (djokovic vs fritz)
The match, which lasted three hours and 24 minutes under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, was far from straightforward for the second seed. Djokovic was forced to dig deep against a determined Fritz, who held numerous opportunities to shift the momentum of the match decisively in his favor. However, the American’s inability to convert break points proved to be his ultimate undoing, finishing a dismal 2-for-13 on such chances and missing his first nine opportunities.
“This was an incredibly close match,” Djokovic admitted in his on-court interview. “It was really anybody’s match. 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 a better player. In these kind of matches, a few points decide the winner.”
A Match of Missed Opportunities and Nerve-Wracking Moments
The theme of the match was established early. Serving for the first set at 5-3, Djokovic found himself in a 0-40 hole, offering Fritz five break points. Yet, through a combination of unreturnable serves and fearless groundstrokes, Djokovic navigated the perilous game to seal the set, immediately applying a psychological blow.
The second set followed a similar pattern of high tension. Once again, as Djokovic served to close out the set at 5-4, Fritz earned three consecutive break points. On his tenth break chance of the entire match, Fritz finally broke through when a Djokovic backhand drop shot found the net, leveling the set at 5-5 and sending the pro-American crowd into a frenzy.
The momentum shift, however, was stunningly brief. Displaying the mental fortitude that has defined his career, Djokovic immediately broke back in the very next game, capitalizing on a costly double fault from Fritz down break point. The Serbian superstar then coolly served out the set to love, seizing a commanding two-set lead and seemingly deflating his opponent’s hopes.
Fritz Fights Back Before Djokovic Seals the Deal
Refusing to capitulate, Fritz mounted a courageous comeback in the third set. He began striking his forehand with greater authority and conviction, breaking Djokovic’s serve in the fourth game. The match’s intensity was further amplified by a restless New York crowd, whose vocal support for the American occasionally drew the ire of Djokovic. At one point, the 24-time major champion was visibly irritated, pleading with chair umpire Damien Dumusois for more crowd control as fans roared when he missed first serves.
Despite Fritz winning the third set and carrying momentum into the fourth, the outcome of the Novak Djokovic US Open campaign never felt truly in doubt. The pivotal moment came with Fritz serving at 4-5 in the fourth set to stay in the match. In a nerve-wracking finale, Djokovic elevated his game, pressuring Fritz into errors. The American’s resistance finally ended on Djokovic’s third match point, where he double-faulted, a heartbreaking end to an otherwise valiant effort.
“That last game was nerve-wracking,” Djokovic said. “Tough one for Taylor to finish with a double fault, he didn’t deserve that, but a great fight and a great tournament for him.”
The Alcaraz Showdown Awaits
With the victory, Djokovic advances to his 53rd major semifinal and sets a blockbuster Friday matchup with Carlos Alcaraz. This marks the seventh time in his illustrious career that Djokovic has reached the semifinals of all four Grand Slams in a single season, a feat of remarkable consistency and excellence.
The rivalry between Djokovic and Alcaraz is quickly becoming the most compelling in men’s tennis. Djokovic currently leads their head-to-head series 5-3, including victories in their two most recent encounters at the Cincinnati Masters and Roland Garros last year. However, their first-ever meeting on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows promises to be an epic battle for a place in the final.
A Tribute and a Record
After the match, Djokovic provided a lighter moment, celebrating by performing the viral ‘Soda Pop’ K-pop dance. He dedicated the gesture to his daughter, Tara, who was celebrating her eighth birthday. The victory also tied him with American legend Jimmy Connors for the most US Open semifinal appearances in history with 14.
The Novak Djokovic US Open journey continues to captivate the tennis world. His ability to win despite not playing his absolute best tennis, his skill in navigating the most pressure-filled points, and his relentless pursuit of history make him a perpetual force. As he prepares to face Alcaraz, the tennis world braces for another chapter in what is rapidly becoming a legendary rivalry.
Novak Djokovic is dancing into the semifinals of the US Open. pic.twitter.com/SgyMP6y1kr
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2025
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