Novak Djokovic dispatches Taylor Fritz in straight sets to seal latest US Open semi-final place

Novak Djokovic beat local hero Taylor Fritz in straight sets to march into the semi-finals of the US Open.

The Serb, chasing his 24th singles Grand Slam title advanced to the final four in New York courtesy of a 6-1 6-4 6-4 win.

Djokovic was in dominant form in the opening set despite the best efforts of Fritz. The second was a closer affair with the American left to rue his failure to convert four break points in the fourth game.

Fritz rallied in the third but Djokovic ultimately proved too strong.

This was only the second Grand Slam meeting between the pair, with Djokovic coming out on top in an epic five-setter at the Australian Open two years ago.

Fritz came into this tantalising quarter-final match-up between two of the ATP’s top 10 players as the only player in this year’s US Open to reach the last eight without dropping a set.

However, Djokovic has proven to be a formidable foe for the American No. 1 after losing all seven of his previous encounters with the 23-time Grand Slam winner. That number has now increased to eight.

They most recently faced off at the Cincinnati Masters in August, where Djokovic cruised to a 6-0 6-4 victory, and despite showing some admirable resilience, the world No. 9 faced another chastening afternoon at Arthur Ashe.

The soon-to-be world No. 1 wrapped up the first set in a mere 43 minutes, with Fritz at the receiving end of three consecutive breaks.

Despite winning the first two games, Djokovic did not look entirely convincing in the opening exchanges and fended off three break points.

Fritz capitalised when the Serb sent a backhand long, and a wide forehand into the tram lines saw the American halve the deficit.

But the world No. 2 fought back with a brilliant volley at almost split stance to move 3-1 in front, and followed that up with a superb ace and excellent overhead shot to move into a 4-1 lead.

Djokovic would break Fritz again in the sixth game, and sealed the seventh with another wonderful ace to leave Fritz rueing what might have been.

Fritz was desperately looking for his first service hold of the match and he managed to do that in a convincing start, to love.

But Djokovic’s formidable powers of recovery came into effect once again after bouncing back from 30-0 down to claim a service hold of his own, as Fritz hit a forehand into the tramlines.

The signs looked ominous with Djokovic managing a comfortable hold to 15, despite not appearing in peak physical condition, before staving off four break points to move 3-1 ahead.

From that point, Djokovic never looked like surrendering on his serve and won the tenth game to love with an ace.

A lesser man may have been down and out, but the response from Fritz was very impressive. He kicked off the third set with a hold to 15, before Djokovic bounced back with a superb service game to level the score and rattle in his sixth ace of the day in the process.

After fluffing his lines on his serve in the opening two sets, Fritz was showing his quality to hold his next two service games and moved 3-2 in front after scoring four points in a row.

But he could not kick on from there and failed to take two opportunities to break Djokovic in the sixth game, after teeing himself up with a blistering forehand to move 40-15 up, only to surrender that lead.

Djokovic would break Fritz again from deuce with a fantastic return, but the 25-year-old would break back to prompt an outcry of frustration from the Serb.

He channelled that frustration the right way after claiming three break points, and prevailed on the second.

The final game epitomised the guile of Fritz and quality of Djokovic, as the 23-time Grand Slam champion served it out with his second match point.

Speaking in his on-court interview, Djokovic spoke about the challenges of facing an American inside Arthur Ashe and getting to grips with the swelteringly hot and humid conditions.

He said: “I think it’s expected that the people are backing the home player and there is nothing wrong with that; I actually like the atmosphere that brings on the centre court. I thrive on the energy, whatever that is, and try to use it as a fuel to play my best tennis.

“I’ve been lucky to play so many epic matches on this court and I can’t wait for another one in a few days time.

“A haircut helped a lot! I was more aero-dynamic on the court. Jokes aside, I’m drenched in sweat; I saw the tailor and changed shirt a couple of times. These a very humid conditions, which made it difficult for both players.”

Djokovic will face another American in the semi-finals, as he plays the winner of Ben Shelton v Frances Tiafoe on Friday.

He added: “I’m going to be enjoying that match with my physiotherapy, massage and some popcorn! I’m going to be playing another American and I’ve got to be ready for whoever is on the other side of the net. Shelton and Tiafoe are both very charismatic and dynamic players and they bring a lot of passion and speed to the court.”