Djokovic Sets Up Semi-Final Clash with Alcaraz at US Open

Novak Djokovic has booked a monumental semi-final showdown with Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open, keeping his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam firmly alive.

The 38-year-old Serbian advanced to a record-equalling 14th US Open semi-final after a hard-fought four-set victory over fourth seed Taylor Fritz on Tuesday, eliminating the last remaining American in the men’s draw.

Match Summary

• Djokovic extended his unbeaten record against US opponents in New York to 16-0.
• The victory marked his 53rd appearance in the last four of a major.
• He also equalled Jimmy Connors’ record for US Open semi-final appearances.

Key Moments

• Djokovic described the match as “incredibly close” and acknowledged Fritz was the better player for much of the second and third sets.
• Fritz saved two match points in a tense fourth set but ultimately succumbed to a double fault, handing Djokovic victory.
• Djokovic remarked: “That last game was nerve-wracking. A tough one for Taylor to finish with a double fault; he didn’t deserve that.”

Head-to-Head with Alcaraz

• Djokovic and Alcaraz will meet for the first time since the Australian Open quarter-finals in January, where Djokovic won in four sets, leading their rivalry 5-3.
• Friday’s encounter will be their fifth Grand Slam meeting and first at Flushing Meadows.
• Djokovic has won all three previous hard court matches against Alcaraz.

Match Flow

• Djokovic surged early, breaking Fritz immediately and racing to a 3-0 lead in the first set.
• Fritz applied pressure, earning five break points in the eighth game, but Djokovic held firm, including winning a remarkable 25-stroke rally.
• Fritz created further opportunities in the second set but failed to convert, allowing Djokovic to break for a 4-3 advantage.
• Fritz broke back when Djokovic was serving for a two-set lead, but a double fault allowed Djokovic to clinch the second set.
• Djokovic’s focus wavered momentarily due to the pro-Fritz crowd, but he regained composure as Fritz broke to lead 3-1 in the fourth set, forcing a tense finish.
• Djokovic saved two match points before Fritz double-faulted again, sealing Djokovic’s passage to the semi-finals.

Djokovic now faces Alcaraz with high stakes: a chance to extend his record and a historic semi-final clash that promises a thrilling battle for the US Open title.