Novak Djokovic has progressed to a thrilling US Open clash against Carlos Alcaraz, while Aryna Sabalenka, the defending women’s champion, reached the semifinals without playing a match.
Djokovic ended Taylor Fritz’s dream of becoming the first American male Grand Slam winner since 2003, securing a 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 victory in the quarterfinals at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 38-year-old Serbian, aiming for a historic 25th Grand Slam title, will face Spain’s second seed Alcaraz in a highly anticipated semifinal on Friday.
Djokovic celebrated his win as Fritz double-faulted on match point in the final set’s 10th game, expressing relief at his hard-fought triumph.
“In matches like this, a few points determine the winner,” Djokovic noted. “It was incredibly close, truly anyone’s game.”
Fritz lamented missed opportunities, converting only two of 13 break points during the intense three-hour, 24-minute match.
The American missed five break points in the first set that could have given him a 5-4 lead, allowing Djokovic to escape and win the set.
After breaking Djokovic to level at 5-5 in the second set, Fritz was immediately broken, losing the momentum.
Djokovic then secured a two-set lead, and although Fritz claimed the third set, the veteran Serb regrouped to clinch the match in the fourth.
“I was fortunate to save key break points in the second set,” Djokovic admitted. “For much of the second and third sets, he played better.”
Djokovic will face Alcaraz, who is in superb form, in the semifinals.
The five-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz needed just 1 hour and 56 minutes to decisively defeat Czech 20th seed Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-2, 6-4.
Alcaraz has not lost a set on his impressive path to the semifinals, remaining in control against Lehecka.
“I played nearly a perfect match,” said Alcaraz, who has won 35 of his last 36 matches since May. “It seems like just two more steps to go, and I’m eager to see what happens next.”
Sabalenka Advances by Walkover
In the women’s tournament, world number one Sabalenka advanced to the semifinals after opponent Marketa Vondrousova withdrew with a knee injury.
Sabalenka, aiming to be the first woman to defend the US Open title since Serena Williams in 2014, expressed sympathy for Vondrousova, this year’s Wimbledon champion.
“I’m so sorry for Marketa after everything she’s been through. She’s been playing incredible tennis, and I know this must be tough for her,” Sabalenka said, reaching the US Open semifinals for the fifth consecutive time.
The walkover sets up a rematch of last year’s US Open final, with Sabalenka facing American fourth seed Jessica Pegula on Thursday.
Pegula advanced to the semifinals with a 6-3, 6-3 win over unseeded Czech Barbora Krejcikova.
Despite a poor run in WTA events, Pegula has found her rhythm in New York, advancing against unseeded players.
“I’ve been playing very well,” Pegula said after her 1-hour, 26-minute victory.
Pegula is eager for a chance to avenge last year’s loss to Sabalenka.
“It would be great to get revenge,” she remarked.
