Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Novak Djokovic advanced to his fourth semifinal in as many majors this year after beating Taylor Fritz, 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 in the US Open in New York on September 2. The four-time US Open champion tied Jimmy Connors by improving to 14-0 in US Open quarterfinals as he aims to reach his 11th US Open final—with the ultimate goal of a 25th major title.
Djokovic will next face rival Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster semi-final clash. Tje Serbian leads the Spaniard 5-3 in their ATP Head2Head series, including victories in their past two matches. Djokovic broke Fritz early and sealed a tense first set after saving six break points in a thrilling 10-minute final game, clinching it on his second set point.
The second set was marked by Fritz squandering his first four break-point chances. Instead it was Djokovic getting the first break when he ran down a drop shot and Fritz’s return found the net for a 4-3 edge.
Fritz at last got a break, on his 11th chance, when Djokovic’s drop shot fell short to tie it at 5-5. But the American’s immediately double-faulted in the first and final points of the ensuing game, giving Djokovic the break right back. The Serb served it out with a sweet backhand for a two-set cushion.
