Novak Djokovic reaches record 47th major semi-final

• Novak Djokovic is through to the 2023 US Open semi-final after securing victory over Taylor Fritz
• Novak Djokovic is now just two wins away from equalling Margaret Court’s tally of major singles triumphs

World number two Novak Djokovic is through to the 2023 US Open semi-final after securing victory over Taylor Fritz. The Serb prevailed 6-1 6-4 6-4 to continue with his impressive run at Grand Slams. This is the 47th time that he has reached men’s Grand Slam semi-final.

Novak Djokovic is now just two wins away from equalling Margaret Court’s tally of major singles triumphs. Speaking after achieving another record on court, Djokovic spoke about his roots and those who have supported his tennis journey.

Novak Djokovic in action against Taylor Fritz. Photo/ English Jagran.

“This is the sport that has given me so much in my life. Coming from Serbia, a war-torn country when I was growing up, I faced a lot of adversity. I was lucky to encounter some very knowledgeable and passionate people. Without their support, and my parents, I wouldn’t be here without their love and incredible sacrifice. That is the long answer for what goes through my head when I hear those numbers [of records he has broken]. There’s a lot of things I am very grateful for.” BBC Sports quotes Novak Djokovic. 

The Serb will face Ben Shelton in the last four. Whereas Djokovic is appearing in a record 47th men’s Grand Slam semi-final, Shelton will be making his first appearance at a Grand Slam semi-final.

How Novak Djokovic Defeated Taylor Fritz 

This was only the second Grand Slam meeting between Djokovic and Fritz, with the Serb coming victorious in the first meeting at the Australian Open in 2021. However, they have met a total of eight times now, with Djokovic winning all the encounters. The pair most recently met at the Cincinnati Open Masters in August, where Djokovic cruised to a 6-0 6-4 victory.

Djokovic was in relentless form on Tuesday as he defeated 25-year-old Fritz to reach the US Open semi-finals. He moved 30-0 vs Americans following his victory against Fritz on Tuesday evening.

With temperatures nudging towards 38C, Djokovic appeared to struggle with the conditions. Fritz had a break point in the opening game and showed he was going to challenge for the last four spot. However, Djokovic bounced back and killed the growing optimism among the home crowd.

The Serb needed just 43 minutes to close the opening set. This was the first set that Fritz had dropped since the start of this year’s US Open.

Novak Djokovic beat Taylor Fritz in straight sets. Photo/ Outlook India.

Djokovic continued to outshine Fritz in the second set, taking his fourth break to lead 2-1. From there, he maintained his lead and eventually took the second set home.

The third set felt like a missed opportunity for Fritz. The American number one fought back to 4-4 but Djokovic clinched his second match point to win the set 6-4.

Apart from passing Roger Federer on the all-time Grand Slam semi-final list with 47, Djokovic also maintained his undefeated record at US Open quarter-finals (13-0).