Djokovic Beats Fritz, Faces Alcaraz in US Open Semi-Final

New York, September 2025: Novak Djokovic survived a challenging test against Taylor Fritz to reach the semi-finals of the US Open. The fourth-seeded Fritz applied continuous pressure on Djokovic’s serve, but the Serbian star managed to fend off multiple break points and overcame a highly supportive home crowd to secure a 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 victory.

The match lasted three hours and twenty-four minutes, showcasing Djokovic’s experience, determination, and mental strength. Reflecting on the match, Djokovic admitted he felt “lucky” at times. “It was an incredibly close match; it was really anybody’s match,” he said. “I think for most of the second and third sets, he was the better player.”

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Djokovic’s Road to Victory Against Fritz

Djokovic began the match aggressively. He immediately broke Fritz’s opening service game to take a 3-0 lead. Although he missed a set point at 5-2, Djokovic resisted Fritz’s fightback, saving five break points before finally serving out the first set 6-3.

Fritz continued to challenge Djokovic in the second set, keeping the match tense. Despite his efforts, Fritz grew frustrated as he missed several opportunities. Djokovic capitalized on one of these moments to gain a 4-3 lead. Just as Djokovic was about to serve for a two-set advantage, Fritz finally converted his first break point of the match—but then faltered with three double faults and an unforced error, allowing Djokovic to close the set 7-5.

The third set brought a change in atmosphere. Djokovic expressed frustration with spectators shouting during his serve, and some fans began jeering him while cheering for the home favorite Fritz. Using this energy to his advantage, Fritz broke Djokovic’s serve to take a 4-1 lead. However, Djokovic regained his composure in the fourth set and delivered the decisive blow at 5-4 when Fritz committed a double fault, allowing Djokovic to seal his place in the semi-finals.

Djokovic described the last game as “nerve-wracking” and acknowledged Fritz’s strong performance. “In many of my service games, I was just trying to stay alive, fight for every ball. In this kind of match, key points decide the winner,” he said.

Djokovic’s Next Challenge: Alcaraz

Now, Djokovic faces second seed Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals. Alcaraz, 16 years younger than Djokovic, is among the new generation dominating men’s tennis alongside players like Jannik Sinner. He has previously defeated Djokovic in two Wimbledon finals, but Djokovic has won their last two encounters, including the Olympic final last year.

Earlier on Tuesday, Alcaraz reached the semi-finals with an impressive 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Czech player Jiri Lehecka. The Spaniard displayed a combination of focus, skill, and flair during the match, thrilling spectators with his shot-making abilities.

Alcaraz described his approach to the game after the match, saying, “Sometimes I play a shot that I should not play at that moment, but it’s the way I love playing tennis. I want to play solid, play well, and play smart, but at the same time, when I have the opportunity to play a great shot—or a hot shot—why not? I’m here to entertain the people, myself, and the team.”

Alcaraz’s Rise in Men’s Tennis

Alcaraz has become a prominent figure in men’s tennis after the era dominated by Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. With Federer and Nadal retired, Djokovic remains the only active member of the iconic trio, chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title.

At 22, Alcaraz has already achieved remarkable success. This US Open marks the third time he has reached the semi-finals in New York. Notably, he has reached the last four of a Grand Slam without losing a set—a first in his career. He is also the youngest man to achieve this feat since Rafael Nadal at the 2008 French Open.

Remaining Men’s Quarter-Finals

Alongside Djokovic and Alcaraz, other men’s singles quarter-finals continue in New York. Eighth seed Alex de Minaur is set to face Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime. World number one Jannik Sinner will compete against fellow Italian Lorenzo Musetti. These matches promise more excitement as players vie for a spot in the semi-finals.

The Atmosphere in the Match

The match between Djokovic and Fritz was intense both on and off the court. The New York crowd created a hostile environment for Djokovic, especially during the third set. Fritz, as the home favorite, drew loud support, but Djokovic’s focus and resilience allowed him to navigate the pressure.

Djokovic’s ability to stay calm during key moments of the match—particularly during Fritz’s break points—demonstrated the experience that has made him one of the most successful tennis players in history. Despite the challenges, he showcased why he remains a major force in men’s tennis even as the new generation rises.

The upcoming semi-final clash between Djokovic and Alcaraz promises to be a thrilling encounter. Djokovic is aiming for his 25th Grand Slam singles title, which would surpass Australia’s Margaret Court’s record. Alcaraz, meanwhile, is seeking to continue his dominance as part of the next generation of tennis stars.

Fans can expect an intense, skill-filled match, with both players bringing their best game to the court. Djokovic’s experience and resilience will be tested against Alcaraz’s youthful energy and fearless shot-making.

• Novak Djokovic defeated Taylor Fritz 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 in a hard-fought US Open quarter-final lasting 3 hours 24 minutes.

• Fritz applied constant pressure, but Djokovic’s experience and mental toughness helped him prevail.

• Djokovic now faces second seed Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals, a player 16 years his junior.

• Alcaraz reached the semi-finals without dropping a set and is the youngest man to do so at the US Open since Rafael Nadal in 2008.

• Remaining men’s quarter-finals include Alex de Minaur vs. Felix Auger-Aliassime and Jannik Sinner vs. Lorenzo Musetti.

The stage is now set for an exciting semi-final showdown as Djokovic continues his pursuit of tennis history, while Alcaraz looks to establish himself further among the sport’s greats.