ATP Tour
Djokovic stays unbeaten against Fritz, sets showdown with Alcaraz
Serbian is into 53rd major semi-final
September 03, 2025
Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic defeats Taylor Fritz 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 in the US Open quarter-finals Tuesday.
By ATP Staff
Novak Djokovic was tested by Taylor Fritz on Tuesday at the US Open, but managed to navigate the key moments and capitalise on the American’s missed opportunities to continue his quest for a record-extending 25th major crown.
The 38-year-old, who has lifted the trophy in New York four times, dispatched last year’s finalist 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 to extend his perfect Lexus ATP Head2Head record against Fritz to 11-0. Fritz will rue his two-for-13 break-point conversion rate, letting slip his first nine break opportunities.
That 53rd Grand Slam semi-final feeling
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“Incredibly close match,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview. “It was really anybody’s match. I thought I was lucky to save some crucial break points in the second set. I think for most of the second and third set, he was a better player. In these kind of matches, a few points decide the winner.”
After below-par performances in the early rounds and several visits from the physio during those matches, Djokovic has played into form throughout this fortnight and will next face rival Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster semi-final clash. Djokovic leads Alcaraz 5-3 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series, including victories in their past two matches. Friday will mark their first encounter at Flushing Meadows.
Djokovic was clutch in big moments against Fritz, including when the Serbian served for the opener at 5-3, a game in which the American held five break points, but was unable to convert.
That theme continued throughout the night. Fritz again had three consecutive break points when Djokovic served for the second set at 5-4. This time, the California native converted his second break point of the game — his 10th of the match — when Djokovic dumped a backhand drop shot in the net, but the momentum shift was short-lived.
Fritz double faulted down break point the next game, which handed the advantage right back to the 24-time major champion. Djokovic slammed the door, serving out the set and deflating Fritz’s hopes of a maiden win against the 100-time tour-level titlist.
Despite Djokovic’s two-sets-to-love lead, the drama intensified early in the third set when Djokovic dropped serve in the fourth game. The Serbian, visibly irritated, had to contend not just with Fritz’s pressure, but also a restless New York crowd. Fans roared when he missed first serves, and their agitation grew when Djokovic pleaded chair umpire Damien Dumusois for more crowd control.
Fritz began to swing more freely off his forehand and started to hold the advantage in longer rallies, but a sloppy game at 4-5 in the fourth set cost him a chance at a decider. Fritz double faulted on Djokovic’s third match point, putting an end to the thrilling three-hour, 24-minute match.
“That last game was nerve-wracking,” said Djokovic, who is third in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, only behind Alcaraz and second-placed Jannik Sinner. “Tough one for Taylor to finish with a double fault, he didn’t deserve that, but a great fight and a great tournament for him.
“I didn’t feel like I was dominating today from the back of the court. In many of my service games, I was just trying to stay alive, fight for every ball. He was aggressive, staying close to the line. Not easy to play him. At the end of the day, winning matters and I’m really proud of the fight that I put in and I wear my heart on my sleeve always for this sport. I’m still enjoying it.”
After shaking hands with Fritz and the chair umpire, the seventh seed busted out the viral ‘Soda Pop’ K-pop dance. Djokovic explained in his on-court interview that it was dedicated to his daughter, Tara, who was celebrating her eighth birthday.
Djokovic is now tied with Jimmy Connors for the most semi-final appearances (14) in tournament history. He won the US Open in 2011, 2015, 2018 and 2023.
Did You Know?
Djokovic has reached the semi-finals at all four majors this season, marking the seventh time in his career that he has achieved that feat. He holds a 31-9 season record, according to the Infosys Win/Loss Index.