The 38-year-old Serbian, Djokovic, advanced to his record-equalling 14th US Open semifinal by defeating the fourth seed, Taylor Fritz, in a four-set thriller. This victory also marked Djokovic’s 16th win against US opponents in New York, eliminating the last American in the men’s draw.
With a final score of 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, Djokovic not only reached the last four of a major for the 53rd time but also drew level with Jimmy Connors for the most US Open semifinal appearances.
“It was an incredibly close match. It was really anybody’s match,” stated Djokovic, highlighting the fierce competition. “I thought I was really lucky to save some crucial break points in the second set. I think for most of the second and third sets, he was the better player.”
Fritz came close to turning the tide in his favor but ultimately lost the fourth set to a double fault after saving two match points. “That last game was nerve-racking. A tough one for Taylor to finish with a double fault; he didn’t deserve that,” Djokovic acknowledged, showing empathy towards his opponent.
Djokovic and Alcaraz, who have faced each other four times on the Grand Slam stage, are set to meet for the first time since the Australian Open quarterfinals in January. Djokovic leads their head-to-head matchups 5-3, with all three of their hard court encounters ending in victories for the Serbian.
Djokovic’s Crowd Engagement Influences the Match
Throughout the match, the atmosphere in Arthur Ashe Stadium was electric, with the crowd rooting for Fritz. This did not sit well with Djokovic, who millimeters away from losing his focus, pleaded with the umpire to calm the crowd. Despite the distractions, he managed to maintain his composure and secure his victory, showcasing his resilience under pressure.
Alcaraz Dominates Lehecka
In the same vein as Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz also demonstrated his dominance, easily advancing to the semifinals without losing a set in 2025. He trounced Czech Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-2, 6-4, further solidifying his status as a prominent force in the tournament. Alcaraz’s performance was nearly flawless, with his precise shots and aggressive play keeping the crowd engaged and opponents on their toes.
While Alcaraz is focused on his game and not on rankings, a victory in the tournament could see him reclaim the number one world ranking from Italy’s Jannik Sinner. Regardless, his early success and consistent performances are setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting final four.
