US Open: Djokovic breaks Federer's record
Tennis icon Roger Federer seemed to have set records that may never be broken in tennis, but Novak Djokovic is wiping them out one by one.
The Serbian maestro was at his clinical best as he beat Taylor Fritz to seal his place in the semi-finals of the US Open, with his 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 win a masterclass in brutal brilliance.
It meant that Djokovic would now play in his 47th Grand Slam semi-final, which is one more than Federer managed in his remarkable career.
That number also puts Djokovic 11 last four clashes ahead of Rafael Nadal and he is the all-time leader in a list that sees American great Jimmy Connors in fourth place on the list with 31 semi-final appearances in the majors.
Ivan Lendl appears on the list with 28 semi-final appearances and Andre Agassi is there with 26, while Britain’s Andy Murray has appeared in 21 Grand Slam last four matches.
They are numbers that highlight the pecking order of the greatest players in the history of the game and with each record he pockets, Djokovic is edging himself towards a position of being the ultimate champion in men’s tennis.
Fritz has been in sparkling form throughout this year’s tournament in New York, but he was no match for Djokovic, who set his radar to masterful mode from first to last in a sublime display of tennis.
The roof was half-closed on Arthur Ashe to shield the players from the 90-degree temperatures amid energy-sapping humidity at Flushing Meadows.
The Serbian, who now holds a perfect 13-0 record in quarter-finals at the US Open, ensured he limited his time on court on a red-hot day and he was relieved to polish off a dangerous rival in double quick time.
“I am drenched in sweat and I saw Taylor change shirt a couple of times. It was very humid conditions,” said Djokovic.
“Difficult to play for both players. But it is the same for both players and that is why we train. To try and get ourselves in the best possible condition to deliver. It is not easy, but you have to fight.”
Djokovic also insisted he had no issues with the New York crowd cheering for Fritz, as he was in a jovial mood in his on-court
interview.
“It’s expected that people are backing the home player, there’s nothing wrong with that,” he added.
“I like the atmosphere here, I’m fine with that and I thrive on that energy.
“I’ve been playing on this court for many years, played many epic matches, and I’m looking forward to another one in a few days.
“It’s a huge opportunity every time I step out on the court and at my age I don’t know how many more opportunities I’ll get.”
While Fritz pushed Djokovic and had moments of encouragement in the final two sets, it always seemed as if the 23-time Grand Slam champion was a step or two ahead of his rival.
His court coverage was sublime and the quality of his ball striking was also exceptional, with this performance strengthening the belief that Djokovic remains the man to beat in New York.
With his great rival Carlos Alcaraz playing his fourth round match with a strapping on his leg, doubts over the Spaniard’s staying power as he still has a possible three matches to play will add to the belief that Djokovic is the favourite to win another US Open title.
