Novak Djokovic booked his place in a highly anticipated US Open semi-final clash with Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday, while defending women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka progressed without hitting a ball.
Djokovic ended American Taylor Fritz’s run with a 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium, dashing hopes of a homegrown Grand Slam champion for the first time since 2003. The 38-year-old Serbian, chasing a record 25th major title, sealed the win after Fritz double-faulted on match point in the fourth set.
“It was an incredibly close match. It was really anybody’s match,” Djokovic said, relieved to come through a tense three-hour 24-minute battle where Fritz converted only two of 13 break points.
The victory sets up a mouthwatering semi-final against 22-year-old Alcaraz, who cruised past Czech 20th seed Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 in under two hours. The Spaniard has yet to drop a set in New York and has won 35 of his last 36 matches. “I just played an almost perfect match,” Alcaraz said. “I’m feeling great and hungry to make it.”
On the women’s side, world No.1 Sabalenka advanced after Marketa Vondrousova withdrew with a knee injury. Sabalenka expressed sympathy for the Czech star, saying, “So sorry for Marketa after all she’s been through. She has been playing amazing tennis.”
Sabalenka will now face American fourth seed Jessica Pegula in a rematch of last year’s US Open final. Pegula powered past Barbora Krejcikova 6-3, 6-3 to reach her first semi-final of the tournament. “I think it would be cool to be able to get revenge, obviously,” Pegula said of the upcoming clash.
What You Should Know
Novak Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster US Open semi-final after both won their quarter-final matches on Tuesday.
Djokovic is targeting a historic 25th Grand Slam title, while Alcaraz continues his dominant unbeaten run.
In the women’s draw, Aryna Sabalenka advanced via walkover and will meet Jessica Pegula, setting up a repeat of last year’s final.
