Novak Djokovic survives Taylor Fritz’s challenge, sets semifinal with Alcaraz

Novak Djokovic continued his unbeaten record against America’s Taylor Fritz as he defeated the local lad by 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday in the ongoing US Open. The match was fought tooth and nail by both players but in the end, Djokovic entered his 53rd Major semifinal.

The Serbian broke the American serve in the second game of the opening set. The 24-time champion once again got an early break in the second set but Fritz was able to get back on serve as he broke Djokovic for the first time in the 11th game. However, Fritz could not hold his serve in the next game to concede a 2-0 lead.

The American won the third set to keep himself alive but Djokovic broke Fritz’s serve in the 10th game of the fourth set to advance in the New York Major. Djokovic admitted he had the rub of the green on his side to win some crucial points and said Fritz was a better player in the second and third set.

“Incredibly close match,” Djokovic said 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.”

Meanwhile, Fritz double faulted on Djokovic’s third match point at 4-5 in the fourth set. Djokovic showered praise on the American for bringing his best on the court.

“That last game was nerve-wracking,” said Djokovic, who is third in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, only behind Alcaraz and second-placed Jannik Sinner. “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.

“I didn’t feel like I was dominating today from the back of the court. In many of my service games, I was just trying to stay alive, fight for every ball. He was aggressive, staying close to the line. Not easy to play him. At the end of the day, winning matters and I’m really proud of the fight that I put in and I wear my heart on my sleeve always for this sport. I’m still enjoying it.”

Djokovic will face Alcaraz in the semifinal on Friday night.