US Open 2023 results: Novak Djokovic beats Taylor Fritz to reach record 47th major semi-final

Novak Djokovic reached a record 47th men’s Grand Slam semi-final with a straight-set win over Taylor Fritz at the US Open.

Djokovic achieved his victory despite temporarily appearing to struggle with the heat and humidity in New York.

The three-time champion faces Frances Tiafoe or Ben Shelton in the last four.

The winner of Tuesday’s all-American quarter-final between Tiafoe and Shelton will now carry the host nation’s hopes of a first men’s singles champion for 20 years following world number nine Fritz’s defeat.

Djokovic maintained his perfect record in US Open quarter-finals – with this his 13th win in a row at that stage – to overtake Roger Federer for most Grand Slam men’s semi-final appearances.

The victory also moved him within two wins of equalling Australian Margaret Court’s tally of major singles triumphs.

On achieving another record, Djokovic said: “This is the sport that has given me so much in my life. Coming from Serbia, a war-torn country when I was growing up, I faced a lot of adversity.

“I was lucky to encounter some very knowledgeable and passionate people. Without their support, and my parents, I wouldn’t be here without their love and incredible sacrifice.

“That is the long answer for what goes through my head when I hear those numbers [of records he has broken]. There’s a lot of things I am very grateful for.”

Djokovic overcomes physical issues to reach semi-finals

Despite an admirable effort, Fritz could not earn any reward as Djokovic delivered a devastating performance in hot temperatures at Flushing Meadows.

The warmest day of the 2023 tournament, with the temperature hitting 32C and high humidity, led to the tournament’s heat rule being invoked and the roof partially closed to provide shade on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

American Fritz, 25, had a break point in the opening game and showed he would not be overawed by Djokovic when he broke back in game three.

However, Djokovic subdued the growing optimism among the home crowd, efficiently closing out the first set with four successive games.

Despite appearing to struggle with the conditions – the three-time US Open champion crouched down following a couple of points – Djokovic was able to assert himself in set two.

The second seed held firm under pressure, further frustrating Fritz by saving four break points for a 3-1 lead.

Overcoming the physical issues he had faced, Djokovic would not falter and lost just one point in his next three service games.

The third set was by no means straightforward. But, fuelled by the frustration of seeing Fritz immediately break back for 4-4 and angered by the behaviour of an individual in the crowd, Djokovic responded in typical fashion and broke again.

To his credit, Fritz pushed his opponent all the way and reached break point, but Djokovic clinched his second match point after two hours and 35 minutes on court.

Djokovic & Alcaraz remain on collision course

This was Djokovic’s fourth straight-set win at this year’s US Open – although his only scare was a major one, when he was forced to come back from two sets down to overcome compatriot Laslo Djere in the third round.

Victory over Fritz extended his dominant head-to-head record over the American to 8-0. He has won both previous meetings with Tiafoe but never faced 20-year-old Shelton.

Having missed last year’s tournament because of his vaccination status – and therefore with no ranking points to defend in New York – Djokovic is guaranteed a return to the top of the world rankings after the tournament.

And he remains on course for another showdown with top seed Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s final, just two months after the 20-year-old edged a thrilling five-set Wimbledon final against the Serb.

Spaniard Alcaraz meets German Alexander Zverev on Wednesday, while third seed Daniil Medvedev plays fellow Russian Andrey Rublev.