Novak Djokovic is one step closer to a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title after earning a straight-sets win over Jan-Lennard Struff in the fourth round.
In the night session at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Djokovic beat Struff 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows for the 14th time in his career.
The Serb is now the oldest player in the Open Era to reach the last eight at all four Grand Slam events in a single season.
Djokovic’s next test is Taylor Fritz, the only American left in the men’s singles draw, who he has beaten in each of their 10 tour-level meetings.
With just three victories separating him and a fifth US Open title, a history-making feat is now within reach for the 38-year-old.
Novak Djokovic speaks on the possibility of winning the US Open
When asked in his post-match press conference if winning the US Open at his age would be the biggest achievement of his career, Djokovic replied: “It could be, but it’s still a very long way, you know.
“For me, in the last couple of years I learned one thing right now is to take really one match at a time.
“Yes, of course I’m dreaming about winning another slam and it would be amazing if I do it here.
“But you know, I just can’t allow myself to go that far with my thinking because you just need to focus on what needs to be done—the next match, next challenge.
“The last Grand Slam I won was here, actually two years ago, so it would be a nice kind of journey in the last couple of years to kind of close the circle here again. That would be great. Let’s see.”
Novak Djokovic’s most likely path to a 25th Grand Slam title
Should he emerge victorious against Fritz, Djokovic will likely come up against Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals.
Though Alcaraz is in red-hot form at the US Open, and is yet to drop a set, his last two meetings with the 24-time major champion have ended in defeat.
Djokovic overcame the Spaniard in the final of the Paris Olympics in 2024 and beat him once again in their most recent bout at the Australian Open.
With a win against Alcaraz, he will then potentially be faced with the world number one, Jannik Sinner, in the championship match, who he has failed to defeat in their last five clashes.
The tournament may mark Djokovic’s last best chance at clinching major title number 25, with time running against him.
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