Novak Djokovic maintained his dominance over Taylor Fritz, overcoming a significant challenge to secure a 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory over the 12th-seeded American in the scorching conditions of Tuesday at Australian Open.
This win propelled the 36-year-old defending champion into a record-extending 48th Grand Slam semi-final.
Despite Djokovic having triumphed in all eight of their previous encounters, including a challenging five-set match at Melbourne Park in 2021 and a commanding victory at the U.S.Open last year, the Serbian faced a formidable test in this encounter.
Striving for an 11th title and a historic 25th major to surpass Margaret Court’s record, Djokovic encountered resistance in a marathon first game that featured nine deuces, with Fritz saving eight break points.
Undeterred, Djokovic elevated his game in a tense tiebreak, showcasing his prowess with a superb cross-court winner that brought the crowd to life. The Serb claimed the first set after 84 minutes, setting the tone for the match.
In the second set, Fritz broke early, countering Djokovic’s attempts with powerful backhand winners. Despite Djokovic’s efforts, Fritz held firm and leveled the match at one set apiece with a comfortable hold.
Djokovic, feeling the heat, resorted to cooling off with ice packs on his head during the third set. After numerous attempts, he finally broke Fritz in the 16th attempt, securing a 2-0 lead. This breakthrough provided the platform for Djokovic to push on and clinch the set.
In the fourth set, Fritz appeared to struggle with his movement, enabling Djokovic to capitalize. The Serbian broke in the sixth game and, despite Fritz’s comeback attempts, emerged victorious, showcasing his determination and resilience on the court.
(With Reuters inputs)