Australian Open 2024: Djokovic secures semifinal spot after overcoming Taylor Fritz challenge
By Ovaise Shariff | First Published Jan 23, 2024, 3:10 PM ISTNovak Djokovic extends his dominance over Taylor Fritz, securing his place in the Australian Open 2024 semifinals.
In a commanding performance, Novak Djokovic further asserts his mastery over Taylor Fritz, earning a spot in the semifinals of the Australian Open 2024. The nine-time consecutive victor against Fritz seals his triumph with a resilient display, prevailing in a thrilling four-set encounter with scores of 7-6, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.
Through to an 11th Semi-Final. We'll let you run the numbers, but the 10x champion's strike rate from here is pretty good! proves too strong for a gallant Taylor Fritz 7-6(3) 4-6 6-2 6-3 • • • pic.twitter.com/Abr5xArz0p
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen)Best of the best in Melbourne 💙 🤝 pic.twitter.com/xFYq9i8Sbu
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen)In a battle lasting 3 hours and 45 minutes, Novak Djokovic secured his place in the Australian Open semifinals by overcoming Taylor Fritz with a scoreline of 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 on Tuesday. The victory marked Djokovic's 11th appearance in the Australian Open semifinals, maintaining his unbeaten record in quarterfinals Down Under. The 24-time major champion has not only won all 10 semifinals contested at Melbourne Park but has also triumphed in each of the corresponding finals. His upcoming challenge in the 48th Grand Slam semifinal will be against the winner of the match between No. 4-seeded Jannik Sinner and No. 5 Andrey Rublev.
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Despite Taylor Fritz displaying exceptional resilience, saving the first 15 breakpoints he faced, Djokovic commended Fritz's formidable serves and acknowledged the threat they posed. Djokovic, known for his remarkable return abilities, highlighted the difficulty in converting breakpoints but emphasised his ability to elevate his game when needed.
The opening set set the tone for a gruelling encounter, lasting 1 hour and 24 minutes—the longest opening set of the tournament. The match unfolded in challenging conditions, with bright sunlight and temperatures reaching almost 32 degrees Celsius (90 Fahrenheit). Djokovic's agitation in the 11th game of the first set prompted calls for salts, but he regrouped to clinch the set in a tiebreaker, concluding it with a remarkable backhand crosscourt winner.
Fritz managed to break Djokovic's serve early in the second set, eventually levelling the match at one set apiece. Despite Fritz's resistance, Djokovic asserted his dominance in the third set, breaking twice and wrapping it up in 38 minutes. The fourth set witnessed a struggle for Fritz to hold, with Djokovic eventually breaking for a 5-3 lead. Although Fritz responded with a break, Djokovic secured the victory by breaking again and serving out the match.
Novak Djokovic. AO semifinalist for the 11th time 💫 • • pic.twitter.com/OOc4FCQ3CM
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen)The encounter unfolded in a pattern distinct from Djokovic's previous encounters with Fritz, showcasing the American's resilience and ability to challenge the Serbian star. The victory solidifies Djokovic's quest for yet another Australian Open title and adds another chapter to the competitive history between the two players.
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