US Open 2025: Djokovic storms into SF, beats Fritz 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4

Novak Djokovic will be playing his 53rd grand slam semifinal on Saturday, when he lock horns with second-seeded Carlos Alcaraz

Novak Djokovic survived a spirited challenge from Taylor Fritz and a restless Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd to reach his record-extending 53rd Grand Slam semifinal, defeating the American 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 on Tuesday night. The victory took him level with Jimmy Connors for the most US Open semifinal appearances by a man — 14 — and underlined why the Serbian remains the most enduring force in men’s tennis.

 

Djokovic vs. the crowd and Fritz

 

From the outset, Djokovic seemed determined to assert himself, racing to a two-set lead against an opponent he has never lost to. But the drama stretched beyond the baseline. The fourth seed Fritz, cheered passionately by a home crowd desperate for an American resurgence, made a fight of it in the third set. Djokovic, meanwhile, exchanged sarcastic kisses, shushing gestures, and sharp stares with sections of the stands that applauded his errors.

 

 

The tension peaked midway through the third set when Djokovic appealed to chair umpire Damian Dumusois to calm the crowd, mockingly echoing the official’s repeated “Thank you, please” after interruptions. Fritz seized the moment, breaking to go 3-1 up before taking the set.

 

Numbers tell the story

 

Djokovic’s ability to thrive under pressure carried him through again:

 

• 11–0 head-to-head record against Fritz.
• 53rd Grand Slam semifinal of his career, an all-time record.
• 14th semifinal at the US Open, equalling Jimmy Connors.
• Saved 11 of 13 break points faced.
• Won 25 of 42 rallies lasting nine or more strokes.
• Took 10 of 11 serve-and-volley points, adding surprise variety to his armoury.

 

Even as Fritz raised his level in the latter stages, Djokovic found his best shots when it mattered most. The match, which lasted just over two and a half hours, ended on an anticlimactic double fault from Fritz.

 

Another chapter with Alcaraz

 

Friday’s semifinal promises to be a blockbuster. Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz, the five-time major champion who eased past Jiri Lehecka in straight sets earlier in the day. The Spaniard has not dropped a set all tournament.

 

Djokovic leads their head-to-head 5-3, winning the last two — including the Australian Open quarterfinal earlier this year and the Paris Olympics final, where he finally claimed the gold medal he long coveted. The clash will be their first meeting at the US Open since the 2023 final, won by Djokovic.

 

A continuing drought for American men

 

Fritz’s exit extends the two-decade drought of American men at majors. The last US male to win a Grand Slam was Andy Roddick in New York in 2003. Despite Fritz’s improvement in the second half of the match, his serve never reached its best levels early on, allowing Djokovic to establish control.

 

The bigger picture

 

At 38, Djokovic remains not just competitive but commanding at the highest level. With 24 majors already secured, he is closing in on more records while consistently outlasting younger rivals. Tuesday’s match was a reminder of both his resilience against opponents and his combustible relationship with crowds that often root against him.

 

For Djokovic, the stakes now shift to a semifinal showdown that feels like another final. For Fritz, the familiar story of being beaten by a man who always seems one step ahead continues.

   

Novak Djokovic is dancing into the semifinals of the US Open. pic.twitter.com/SgyMP6y1kr

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2025

 

Alcaraz awaits in blockbuster semifinal

 

With the victory, Djokovic advanced to yet another Grand Slam semifinal, setting up a much-anticipated clash against second-seeded Carlos Alcaraz. The meeting promises to be a high-voltage encounter, renewing one of tennis’s most gripping rivalries in recent years. A 53rd Grand Slam semifinal awaits Novak Djokovic.

 

A familiar stage for Djokovic

 

The win underlines Djokovic’s consistency at the majors, as he continues to chase yet another Grand Slam title. For Fritz, it was a bitter end after pushing the Serbian deep and momentarily threatening to extend the contest.