Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, returns a shot against Taylor Fritz, of the United States, during the quarterfinal round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in New York.
Novak Djokovic battled both Taylor Fritz and a noisy US Open crowd on Tuesday night. The Serbian star silenced the atmosphere with a gritty four-set victory, securing his spot in yet another semifinal at Flushing Meadows.
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, overcame Fritz 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4. The win extended his dominance over the American to 11-0. It also booked his record 53rd Grand Slam semifinal appearance, including 14 at the US Open.
A Match Filled with Tension
The night wasn’t only about powerful rallies. Djokovic clashed with sections of the crowd that cheered his errors. At one point, he sarcastically mimicked the umpire’s repeated calls for calm, further intensifying the drama.
Despite the distractions, Djokovic held firm. “I was just trying to survive,” he admitted. “Some days, you just have to grind.”
Fritz Fights, But Falls Short
Fritz entered the match as the last American man in the draw. Backed by home fans, he showed fight in the third set, breaking Djokovic to take it 6-3. However, nerves and inconsistency cost him crucial points.
The fourth set saw Djokovic raise his game once again. He saved 11 of 13 break points and dominated long rallies, winning 25 out of 42 that lasted nine shots or more. In the end, Fritz double-faulted on match point, sealing his own fate.
“He made fewer mistakes and served better,” Fritz admitted. “That’s why he’s one of the greats.”
Djokovic’s Black-Out Look and Composed Play
Both players wore black from head to toe, from shirts to shoes. Even Djokovic’s wristbands matched. But the similarity ended there. Djokovic’s experience and precision stood out as he dictated rallies, returned flawlessly, and executed sharp volleys when needed.
The 38-year-old displayed his trademark composure. Fritz, 27, grew into the match but never looked fully in control. His serve improved late, but Djokovic remained a step ahead throughout.
Alcaraz Awaits in Blockbuster Semifinal
Djokovic’s reward is a semifinal clash with world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard powered past Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 earlier in the day without dropping a set.
This sets up a thrilling showdown. Djokovic leads their head-to-head 5-3, including recent wins at the Australian Open and the Paris Olympics final. The rivalry has become one of tennis’s most exciting storylines.
US Title Drought Continues
For American men’s tennis, the wait for a Grand Slam singles champion goes on. The last came in 2003 when Andy Roddick lifted the US Open trophy. Fritz’s defeat extends that 21-year drought.
What’s Next at the US Open
Djokovic and Alcaraz now headline the semifinals, with Jannik Sinner facing fellow Italian Lorenzo Musetti and Alex de Minaur battling Felix Auger-Aliassime in the remaining quarterfinals.
For Djokovic, the path is familiar. Four of his 24 majors have come at the US Open, most recently in 2023. Once again, the Serbian stands just two wins away from adding another chapter to his legacy.
