Djokovic Defeats Fritz to Reach Record US Open Semifinal, Sets Clash with Alcaraz

Novak Djokovic booked his place in the 2025 US Open semifinals with a four-set victory over American Taylor Fritz, winning 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The result extended the Serbian’s perfect head-to-head record against Fritz to 11-0 and marked his 14th career semifinal appearance in New York.

At 38 years old, Djokovic also became the oldest player in the Open Era to advance to the semifinals of all four Grand Slam tournaments in a single season. He has now achieved that milestone in 2025 after semifinal runs at the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon earlier this year.

The quarterfinal was competitive, with Fritz challenging Djokovic’s consistency in long rallies and pushing the match into a fourth set. Djokovic’s defensive play and resilience under pressure proved decisive, as he saved 11 of the 13 break points he faced. The crowd atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium added tension, with Djokovic at times expressing frustration over noise during service games, but he kept control of the match when it mattered most.

After securing the win, Djokovic celebrated with a brief dance routine from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters. He explained the gesture was for his daughter Tara’s eighth birthday, noting the dance was something they often practiced together at home. The light-hearted moment contrasted with the intensity of the match and drew cheers from the New York crowd.

Djokovic will now face Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals. Alcaraz earned his place with a straight-sets victory over Jiri Lehecka, continuing his unbeaten streak in sets at this year’s tournament. The meeting between Djokovic and Alcaraz is expected to be one of the most anticipated matches of the competition, with both players having previously contested multiple high-profile finals over the past two seasons.

Sources: The Guardian, Associated Press, Sky Sports, ATP Tour, The Times, Times of India, New York Post