US Open 2023: Novak Djokovic surpasses Roger Federer record after defeating Taylor Fritz to reach semifinals
ovak Djokovic kept his cool in the New York heat, reaching the semi-finals of the US Open and breaking another record.
The ice-cold Serb is in the last four of a Grand Slam for the 47th time and is one ahead of Roger Federer after a 6:1, 6:4, 6:4 victory over Taylor Fritz.
At Arthur Ashe, the roof was half-closed to protect players from the sweltering temperatures and energy-sapping humidity of Flushing Meadows.
American Fritz was red-hot every two weeks and didn’t lose a single set en route to the round of 16, but was mercilessly defeated by the 23-time Grand Slam champion.
The demoralized Fritz has now lost all eight games he played against Djokovic.
The number nine seed scored more winners – 33 to Djokovic’s 25 – but was simply crushed by the 36-year-old, with a total of 51 unforced errors telling a story all their own.
He also forced 12 break points but only converted two of them, the second of which leveled the third set at 4-4 and prompted Djokovic to shoo some of his own supporters away from an executive suite.
But Djokovic hit back immediately, the three-time winner then saving another break point before completing the victory in two hours and 35 minutes to silence a partisan American audience.
Djokovic said: “People are expected to support the home player, there is nothing wrong with that.” I like the atmosphere here, I agree with it and enjoy this energy.
“I have been playing on this course for many years, have played many epic matches and am looking forward to another one in a few days.
“It’s a huge opportunity every time I step on the pitch and at my age I don’t know how many more opportunities I’ll get.”
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/tennis/us-open-2023-novak-djokovic-taylor-fritz-roger-federer-record-b1105096.html US Open 2023: Novak Djokovic surpasses Roger Federer record after defeating Taylor Fritz to reach semifinals
