Novak Djokovic Reaches Record US Open Quarter-final

 

Novak Djokovic has reached a career milestone, becoming the oldest player to reach the Grand Slam quarter-final, which he achieved at the US Open by defeating Jan-Lennard Struff in round four. 

The four-time champion established his control from the first set to win in straight sets by 6-3, 6-3, 6-2. It was the second round he would win without dropping a set in this Championship. However, Struff showed resilience after trailing 4-0 in the first set, but conceded a net point at 5-3 for Djokovic to claim the set point. 

"Still a very long way. In the last couple of years, I learned to take one match at a time," Djokovic reflected. "And yes, of course, I'm dreaming about winning another Slam, and it would be amazing if I do it here."

Even as Struff tried to improve, taking the lead by 1-2 in the second set, Djokovic regained control to lead by two sets to love after the German double-faulted. Djokovic eased through the final set, converting a break advantage to claim a match point. 

Djokovic has not won a Grand Slam since winning his last at the US Open in 2023. He will be playing his 64th Grand Slam quarter-final against Taylor Fritz. 

He has not reached a Grand Slam final this season. Nevertheless, he did reach the semi-finals at the Australian Open, the French Open, and Wimbledon. Already, he is the all-time winner of men's Grand Slam titles with 24 trophies. Winning the US Open will extend his men's singles title streak to 102.