CNN
 — 

Novak Djokovic booked his spot in the US Open semifinals with an emphatic victory over American Taylor Fritz on Tuesday.

The world No. 2 looked his assured self, rapid around the court and hitting winners from all manners of angles, in his 6-1 6-4 6-4 win.

Fritz did show glimpses of why he’s being tipped as part of tennis’ next generation of star players, but he was not able to hold out in the face of Djokovic’s constant pressure.

Victory ensured that Djokovic’s hopes of winning a 24th grand slam title remain alive, as he seeks to equal Margaret Court’s outright record and extend his own men’s record.

Djokovic will face another American in the final four, taking on the winner of Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton, but he was eager to just enjoy the feeling of making yet another grand slam semifinal.

Clearly in a jubilant mood after securing his victory, Djokovic led the crowd in a singalong of the Beastie Boys’ classic ‘Fight For Your Right.’

“I am drenched in sweat. I saw Taylor change shirt a couple of times, it was very humid conditions,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview when asked about the conditions inside the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“Difficult to play, but that is why we train and try to get ourselves in the best conditions to deliver. Not easy but you have to fight, as the song says, you have to fight for your right to party.”

The Serb is in the United States for the first time since 2021 due to his unvaccinated status, but made up for lost time by immediately returning to winning ways at the Cincinnati Open ahead of the US Open, beating Carlos Alcaraz in a memorable final.

Djokovic has continued to look ominous throughout the tournament in New York and the quarterfinal was another stage on which he produced some remarkable tennis.

“I like the energy and the atmosphere on the court here. I thrive on that energy, whatever the energy is, use it as a fuel to try and play my best tennis,” Djokovic added.

“I have been playing on this court for so many years, so many epic matches. I can’t wait for another one in a few days time.”

Djokovic raced into a one-set lead against world No. 9 Fritz in just 43 minutes, producing some magical returns and excellent service games.

Fritz, 25, showed grit to work his way back into the match and went toe-to-toe with the tennis great in the second set. However, despite Fritz’s best efforts, a break early in the set allowed Djokovic to take a firm grip of the tie.

Fritz, who is enjoying his best run at his home grand slam, continued to grow into the game and gave Djokovic a stern test in the third set.

The American earned multiple break points against the 36-year-old, but Djokovic continued to produce in the most important moments to stay ahead.

Many inside the Arthur Ashe Stadium continued to cheer for Fritz throughout the tie, but Djokovic was able to use the partizan crowd in his favor, letting out a roar as he finally won match point.

CNN
 — 

Novak Djokovic won the US Open on Sunday, defeating Daniil Medvedev 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 in the men’s final to extend his record grand slam singles titles to 24.

The world No. 2 further cemented himself as one of the greatest tennis players ever – with Sunday’s win, he matches Margaret Court’s record for most all-time grand slam titles.

In a rematch of the 2021 US Open final, the Serbian avenged his loss to No. 3 seed Medvedev at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York to complete his triumphant return to the United States.

“It obviously means the world to me,” Djokovic said after the match. “I’m really living my childhood dream to compete at the highest level in the sport that has given me and my family so much.”

Playing in front of a who’s who crowd, Djokovic was in his usual dominant form in the first set, never facing a break point, while hitting 12 winners in nine games. Entering Sunday’s final, Djokovic was 72-1 all-time at the US Open when winning the first set, with his only loss coming to Stan Wawrinka in the 2016 final.

The second set proved to be more competitive, as Djokovic and Medvedev exchanged games in a nail-biting back and forth, culminating in the Serb’s 7-5 tiebreak victory after an hour and 45 minutes.

From there, with the momentum in his favor and a fourth US Open title a set away, Djokovic cruised to victory, needing only one championship point to seal the historic title.

With the victory, the 36-year-old becomes oldest man to win the US Open singles title in the Open era and the first man to win three grand slam titles in a season for the fourth time – previously doing so in 2011, 2015 and 2021.

Djokovic also extends his lead over Spaniard Rafael Nadal (22) and Switzerland’s Roger Federer (20) for most men’s singles titles of all time.

“To make history of this sport is truly remarkable and special in every possible and every possible meaning of the word special,” Djokovic said.

Sitting in the front row during the game was Djokovic’s six-year daughter, he said during a news conference after the match, sharing with reporters that she would smile at him when he needed her energy most.

It was important to him that his daughter – as well as his nine-year-old son – got to experience their father win when they were old enough to understand the victory, he said.

And as for what keeps him going, Djokovic said: “I don’t want to leave the sport if I’m still playing at the top.”

After his win, an emotional Djokovic momentarily dropped to his hands and knees before walking toward his family in the stands to celebrate.

When he returned to the court, Djokovic honored the late NBA superstar Kobe Bryant by changing into a blue shirt bearing a photo of himself and the Lakers legend with the words “Mamba Forever” emblazoned on the front, and the number on the back. Bryant wore the number 24 in the second half of his professional basketball career.

“I thought it could be a nice symbolic thing to acknowledge him,” said Djokovic, who considered Bryant a close friend.

“We chatted a lot about the winner’s mentality when I was struggling with the injury and trying to make my comeback, work my way back to the top of the game,” Djokovic said of his relationship with Bryant.

“He was one of the people that I rely on the most. He was always there for any kind of counsel, advice, any kind of support in the most friendly way.”

At every grand slam this year, Djokovic had an opportunity to make history.

He drew level with Rafael Nadal’s 22 grand slam titles at the Australian Open, pulled clear with a men’s record 23 grand slam titles at the French Open and was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final.

The Serb will have an opportunity to pass Court and etch his name as the all-time winningest player at the Australian Open in January 2024.