Novak Djokovic moved one step closer to making history at the US Open as he defeated America’s Taylor Fritz 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 in a gripping quarter-final on Tuesday. The 38-year-old Serbian, chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title, showed resilience and experience to end Fritz’s dream of becoming the first American man since 2003 to win a major. Djokovic’s victory sets up a blockbuster semi-final against Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, promising one of the most anticipated clashes of the tournament.
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The match at Arthur Ashe Stadium was tense from the beginning, with Fritz creating early opportunities that he failed to capitalize on. He had five break points in the opening set to go 5-4 ahead, but Djokovic held his nerve to escape and then pounced to take control. The American regrouped and broke back in the second set, but Djokovic immediately broke again before closing it out. Although Fritz showed fight by taking the third set, Djokovic steadied himself in the fourth, sealing victory when Fritz double-faulted on match point.
Reflecting on the battle, Djokovic admitted it could have gone either way. “In this kind of match a few points on either side decide the winner. It was incredibly close,” he said. “I thought I was really lucky to save some crucial break points in the second set. For most of the second and third sets, he was the better player.” The match lasted over three hours, with Djokovic’s grit proving decisive against a spirited opponent.
On the other side of the draw, Carlos Alcaraz continued his stunning form by sweeping aside Czech Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 in under two hours. The 22-year-old Spaniard has been in near-flawless touch, not dropping a single set en route to the semi-finals. Alcaraz’s power, movement, and consistency have made him one of the tournament’s standout performers, and his upcoming showdown with Djokovic is already being billed as a clash of generations. “I just played an almost perfect match,” Alcaraz said. “It seems like just two more steps to go, and let’s see what happens. I’m feeling great and hungry.” With 35 wins from his last 36 matches since May, Alcaraz enters the semi-final in blistering form.
In the women’s draw, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the semi-finals without hitting a ball after Czech star Marketa Vondrousova withdrew due to a knee injury. The Belarusian world number one, who is aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to retain the US Open title, expressed her sympathy for her opponent. “So sorry for Marketa after all she’s been through. She has been playing amazing tennis and I know how badly this must hurt for her,” Sabalenka said.
The walkover sets up a repeat of last year’s final as Sabalenka prepares to face American fourth seed Jessica Pegula. Pegula, who defeated Barbora Krejcikova 6-3, 6-3 in her quarter-final, is eager to avenge her loss in last year’s championship match. The American has quietly built momentum in New York despite a poor run in the build-up tournaments. “I think I’ve been playing some really good tennis,” Pegula said after her win. “It would be cool to get revenge, obviously.”
With Djokovic and Alcaraz set for a high-voltage clash and Sabalenka renewing her rivalry with Pegula, the US Open semi-finals promise fireworks. For fans, the stage is set for thrilling battles that could define this year’s tournament.
