Djokovic downs Fritz to pop American USO bubble

Novak Djokovic dismantled Taylor Fritz 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 on Tuesday to rip into a 13th semi-final at the US Open as the three-time champion beat the American for the eighth time in a row.

The 36-year-old Serb chasing a record 24th Grand Slam singles title will play for a place in the Sunday final against one of two more Americans, Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton.

Djokovic was able to shrug off a late-match distraction where a spectator called out in the middle of a point – a game which Djokovic eventually lost.

“You have to expect people backing the home player, There’s nothing wrong with that

“I like the energy here, people getting into it is fine with me. I actually thrive on the energy.

“I try to use it as a fuel to pay my best tennis.

“I’m looking forward to returning to the court in a few days time (for his Friday semi-final).

Djokovic said he was “drenched in sweat” after his victory in 39 Celsius temperatures.

“It was very humid condition, difficult to play. But that’s what we train for.”

Djokovic duplicated his defeat of US No. 1 Fritz last month in the Cincinnati quarters, dealing with the steamy New York conditions, with the Serb taking a 3-1 lead after a run of service breaks in the opening set,

The experienced Djokovic consolidated as Fritz could do little; the American all but giving away the set, with Djokovic grabbing the early lead with an ace, 6-1.

The second seed continued his early momentum, breaking in the third game as some Fritz frustration began to surface.

Djokovic finished off that set with another ace to earn a dominating 2-0 lead on sets after winning the last 11 points of the second on his own serve.

The three-time tournament champion fought off two break points and let out a roar as he held for 3-all with the finishing line coming into sight.

Djokovic broke for 4-3 in the third after more than two hours on court but then faced two break points in the ensuing game.

The second seed salvaged two additional break points thanks to Fritz errors but misjudged a lob as a rogue spectator in a corporate box yelled “out” before it landed. 

That distraction forced Djokovic to chase a lob which actually landed good, with a grateful Fritz eventually earning his first break of serve since early in the first set, 4-4.

A furious Djokovic returned the favour as he broke his opponent straight back before serving out the win on second match point after saving another break chance.

Djokovic will play his 47th semi-final at a Grand Slam one more than now-retired Roger Federer.

Main photo:- Novak Djokovic celebrates beating Taylor Fritz – by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd