Novak Djokovic displayed mature and combative tennis within the US Open quarterfinals, defeating fourth seed Taylor Fritz 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4.
With this victory, the four-time New York champion superior to his 14th US Open semi-final, extending his good head-to-head file towards Fritz to 11-0.
The win will even transfer Novak up from seventh to fourth within the ATP rankings on Monday.
Novak confirmed psychological toughness at crucial moments, saving break factors and turning round powerful video games towards the damaging American opponent.
Within the early levels of the primary set, Djokovic seized the initiative. He transformed his third break level within the second recreation to take Fritz’s serve. Within the subsequent recreation, Novak held a 40-0 lead on his serve, allowed Fritz one probability for a rebreak however saved it, confirming the break for a 3-0 lead. At 5-3, Novak missed a set level on Fritz’s serve, and the marathon ninth recreation adopted, during which he saved 5 break factors and ultimately closed out the set 6-3.
The second set introduced extra rigidity. Fritz got here near breaking a number of occasions, however Novak saved three break factors and held his serve. Patiently ready for the fitting second, he capitalized within the seventh recreation, changing his first break level of the set to go up 4-3, after which confirmed it for 5-3. Nevertheless, serving for the set, Novak faltered and Fritz earned his first break of the match to degree at 5-5. Djokovic instantly struck again, broke Fritz once more, and closed the set 7-5, taking a 2-0 lead in units.
The third set was dominated by the house crowd, supporting Fritz and celebrating Novak’s errors. Using this momentum, the American transformed a break level within the fourth recreation to steer 3-1. He maintained a excessive degree of play via aggressive strokes and stable serving, taking the set 6-3.
The fourth set was dramatic and finally determined within the remaining recreation. Novak transformed his third match level to safe the victory after three hours and 24 minutes on the most important tennis stadium on the planet, reserving his spot within the US Open semifinals.
Match statistics: aces (10-12), double faults (8-4), winners (33-46), unforced errors (40-41), complete factors received (128-126).
Within the US Open semi-finals on Friday, Novak will face second seed Carlos Alcaraz for the ninth time of their careers.
Alcaraz reached the final 4 by defeating Czech participant Jiri Lehecka 3-0 within the quarters. Djokovic at the moment leads the head-to-head with Alcaraz 5-3, having final met on this yr’s Australian Open quarter-finals, the place Novak triumphed 3-1.
Photograph: Profimedia
