Djokovic’s Historic Achievement
Novak Djokovic made history at the US Open, reaching his record 47th Grand Slam semifinal, surpassing Roger Federer’s previous mark for the most by a male player. Djokovic achieved this milestone with a commanding victory over Taylor Fritz, winning 6-1, 6-4, 6-4.
Flawless Quarterfinal Record
Djokovic continued his impressive quarterfinal record at Flushing Meadows, extending it to 13-0 for his career. Additionally, he improved his head-to-head record to 8-0 against Fritz, the American player seeded ninth.
Battling Extreme Conditions
The match unfolded in challenging conditions as the Arthur Ashe Stadium retractable roof was partially closed to provide shade for the players and spectators. The temperature soared above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity exceeding 55%. On changeovers, both Djokovic and Fritz sought relief from the heat by removing their shirts, using ice-stuffed towels around their necks, and pouring water over themselves.
Djokovic’s Resilience
Despite the grueling conditions, Djokovic maintained his composure and adapted to the circumstances. He acknowledged the difficulty of playing in such humidity but emphasized the importance of preparation and determination, stating, “Not easy, but you’ve got to fight.”
Fritz’s Struggles
Taylor Fritz faced difficulties throughout the match, with a high number of unforced errors and a struggle to find consistency. In the first set, he recorded 19 unforced errors and only four winners. By the conclusion of the match, Fritz had accumulated 51 unforced errors, nearly double Djokovic’s total of 26.
Next Opponent
In the upcoming semifinals, Novak Djokovic will face another American competitor, unseeded Ben Shelton. Shelton secured his place by defeating the tenth seed, Frances Tiafoe, in four sets. This marks the first time since 2005 that three U.S. men have reached the quarterfinals at the US Open.
Fan Support
Throughout the match, Taylor Fritz received strong support from the partisan Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, particularly as he attempted to mount a comeback against Djokovic. Djokovic, in response to the vocal support for Fritz, expressed his appreciation for the energy and atmosphere on center court, emphasizing that fan involvement is a natural part of the sport.
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