Djokovic overcomes Fritz to set up U.S. Open semi-final with Alcaraz

NEW YORK: Novak Djokovic kept his remarkable dominance over Taylor Fritz intact, defeating the American 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 on Tuesday to book his place in the U.S. Open semi-finals, where he will face Carlos Alcaraz.

The 38-year-old Serbian, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam crown, extended his perfect head-to-head record against Fritz to 11-0. Despite the scoreline, it was a stern test for Djokovic, who was pushed to his limits by last year’s runner-up.

“It was an incredibly close match. It was really anybody’s match,” Djokovic admitted. “For most of the second and third set he was the better player. In these kinds of matches, few points decide the winner.”

Fritz, the fourth seed and last American left in the draw, created multiple opportunities but struggled with consistency at key moments. He finally broke Djokovic’s resistance in the third set to extend the contest, but the veteran found a way to reassert control, sealing victory after Fritz double-faulted on match point.

The win also marked Djokovic’s 16th straight triumph over American players at the U.S. Open. He celebrated the victory with a dance dedicated to his daughter on her birthday, capping another memorable night under the Arthur Ashe Stadium lights.

Now, attention turns to a blockbuster semi-final against Alcaraz, a clash that promises to be one of the highlights of the tournament.