Novak Djokovic defeated Ben Shelton 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(4) in the semi-finals of the US Open on September 8th.
Facing off against the tournament’s best server, Djokovic showcased his world-class return abilities. He limited Shelton to just five aces and a 60% first-serve point winning rate. Nole had a remarkable 14 break-points and capitalized on five of them to secure victory after three sets that lasted two hours and 40 minutes.
Djokovic mừng việc tận dụng break-point ở trận gặp Shelton trên sân Arthur Ashe hôm nay 8/9. Ảnh: AP
Shelton, despite being unseeded, advanced to the semi-finals due to his powerful serving and energetic style of play at the age of 20. However, against the 23-time Grand Slam champion, the American player struggled, committing a total of 43 unforced errors throughout the match.
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In all three sets, Shelton found himself playing catch-up after losing his service game. He displayed a strong comeback in the third set, leveling the score at 4-4 and saving match points to force a tie-break. However, Djokovic had not lost a tie-break in a Grand Slam semi-final since the 2014 US Open, and this time was no exception. Nole quickly took a 5-1 lead and went on to win 7-4 in the tie-break, sealing the match. Djokovic extended his unbeaten streak against American opponents to 31.[1]
“Dueling against an American player is never easy,” Nole said after the match. “Matches like these inspire me to strive and work like the young guys. I feel I still have much to contribute to the world.”
This marks Djokovic’s tenth appearance in the US Open final. In his career, he has reached the final in all four Grand Slam tournaments for the third time, previously achieving this feat in 2015 and 2021. If he clinches the title in New York, the 36-year-old will become the oldest male singles champion at the US Open in the Open Era.
Winning his 100th match on hard courts at Grand Slam events, Djokovic advances to his 36th final at this level. This year, he has already secured four titles, including two Grand Slams at the Australian Open and Roland Garros. Waiting for Nole in the final in New York is either Carlos Alcaraz or Daniil Medvedev.
“It will be the toughest final of the tournament, whether it’s against Alcaraz or Medvedev,” Djokovic commented on the final match scheduled for September 10th. “They are both in terrific form. Medvedev defeated me in the final two years ago, and Carlos has been remarkable at the age of 20 with what he has accomplished
