Novak Djokovic has continued his phenomenal Grand Slam career by reaching another US Open semifinal.
Djokovic is not fully fit after his quarterfinal win over Taylor Fritz, in which he beat the American 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4.
But he will need to make a full recovery in order to make it past Carlos Alcaraz, his US Open semifinal opponent.
Djokovic battled into his fourth Grand Slam final of the season after knocking out Fritz, which he did after three hours and 24 minutes.
It’s the seventh time he’s managed that feat, with the 38-year-old also representing the oldest man to achieve it in the Open Era.
US Open fans make a mistake with Novak Djokovic against Taylor Fritz
And despite his fitness issues, Djokovic should be full of confidence for his meeting with Alcaraz, having beaten both Fritz and the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The US Open fans unsurprisingly leaned heavily towards the American, while their noise levels drew a significant reaction from the Serbian.
Djokovic tried to reduce that noise as his opponent had a break point early in the third set, but his discussions with the umpire proved futile.
That scenario likely arose after the Serbian blew several sarcastic kisses from the court following his victorious second set.
In the end it mattered not, with Djokovic ultimately blowing away his ATP rival to extend their head-to-head record to 11-0.
In hindsight, it may not have been the best move from the US Open fans, who simply antagonised the 24-time Grand Slam champion and likely motivated him to push on.
Why Novak Djokovic’s win over Taylor Fritz is a double blow for US Open fans
Djokovic’s win over Fritz also has broader consequences for the home fans, who now have no more American men to cheer for at the US Open.
The 2024 runner-up was the last such player standing, with his exit now continuing the painful Grand Slam drought for Americans on the ATP Tour.
New York would have been the perfect place to end that drought, with Andy Roddick’s 2003 US Open win representing the last American male success at a Grand Slam.
Djokovic meanwhile won’t care too much about playing the role of the villain, with all of his focus now turning to a highly anticipated reunion with Alcaraz.
Before that, however, he did find time for one last moment of fun with the US Open crowd right after his win over Fritz.
It’s clear the veteran thrives in such an environment, which he may already be anticipating for his blockbuster tie with fan favorite Alcaraz.
But Djokovic is now more than used to being on the receiving end of a hostile crowd, with Alcaraz now undoubtedly the main point of concern for his next match.
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