Djokovic wins and raves
US stars are playing bigger than they have in a long time
9/4/2023 6:19 am
Novak Djokovic is back in top form after his effort in the third round. At the US Open, the Serb easily made it into the quarterfinals against the Croatian qualifier Borna Gojo. Now it’s against an American – the US stars are stronger in front of a home crowd than they have been for a long time.
Top favorite Novak Djokovic has reached the quarterfinals for the 13th time at the US Open and now faces his toughest task to date against US local hero Taylor Fritz. The 36-year-old Grand Slam record winner from Serbia defeated the Croatian qualifier Borna Gojo in the round of 16 6: 2, 7: 5, 6: 4. Djokovic had significantly less trouble in 2:26 hours than in the previous five-set win over his compatriot Laslo Djere.
Before Fritz, the US pros Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton also made it into the top eight. “Three Americans in the quarterfinals, that’s great for American tennis. Everyone has a strong serve, they’re aggressive,” said Djokovic, praising his next opponent Fritz. “He’s playing great tennis, especially at home. Obviously the matches are getting harder and harder. I’m ready.”
Djokovic has never lost in seven duels with Fritz. At the Grand Slam tournament in New York, however, the 25-year-old is currently playing well and is the only quarter-finalist who has not yet dropped a set. Fritz also remained flawless against the qualifier Dominic Stricker from Switzerland with 7: 6 (7: 2), 6: 4, 6: 4. “Novak is Novak. It’s difficult,” said the ninth in the world rankings. “There’s nobody who has that record against me, so I hope I beat him one day. The US Open quarterfinals would be a pretty good time.”
Should Djokovic progress on the way to the 24th Grand Slam title he is aiming for, an American would also be waiting in the semifinals. In the US duel, Tiafoe and Shelton face each other. The 20-year-old Shelton had won the clash with his US colleague Tommy Paul in the round of the top 16 with 6: 4, 6: 3, 4: 6, 6: 4. Tiafoe (25) defeated Rinky Hijikata from Australia in three sets 6:4, 6:1, 6:4. For the first time since 2005, the host of the US Open has three quarter-finalists. The US men have been waiting for a home triumph since Andy Roddick 20 years ago.