US Open: Novak Djokovic Eases To Semi-final

 

Novak Djokovic, he is still the late man standing amongst his peers and the records keep coming. He will be making his 47th men's Grand Slam semi-final appearance at the US Open.  

Coming in the quarterfinal, the three-time champion and retired tennis ace, Roger Federer were equals on most Grand Slam semis with 46 appearances 46 apiece. Behind them was Rafael Nadal with 38, Jimmy Connors with 31 and Ivan Lendi with 28. 

Taylot Fritz took the fight to Djokovic in the quarterfinals  and instead of making most of the home advantage with the crowds behind him, the second seed had him well outclassed in straight sets, 6-1 6-4 6-4. 

By the way, it was not the best of weather Djokovic would wish for as he took break midway of the match over complaints of humidity and heat. He sat by the courtside holding a bag of ice blocks to his head. He needed to cool off from the heatwave. 

Meanwhile, he had won the opening set with a meticulous show of brilliance after Fritz claimed a break point and routed him in four consecutive sets to win the set. 

Fritz engaged his tennis acumen in the second and third set and did put Djokovic to work, yet his efforts were not enough to get in the way. The Serb saved four break points in the second set and he rallied after Fritz leveled 4-4 in the third to win the match point on the American unforced error. 

Even though Djokovic did not participate in last year's event, he has proved  to be the man to beat and has won his previous matches in straight sets except the scare he faced in the third round against his countryman, Laslo Djere. 

Djokovic will face in the semi either Frances Tiafoe or Ben Shelton.