cnn
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Novak Djokovic booked his place in the US Open semi-finals with a convincing victory over American Taylor Fritz on Tuesday.
The World No. 2 looked confident, quick on the court and hitting winners from all angles, in his 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 victory.
Fritz showed glimpses of why he is considered part of the next generation of star tennis players, but could not hold out under constant pressure from Djokovic.
The victory ensured Djokovic's hopes of winning a 24th Grand Slam title remain alive, as he looks to equal Margaret Court's all-time record and extend his own.
Djokovic will face another American in the last four, facing the winner of Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton, but was eager to enjoy the feeling of reaching another Grand Slam semi-final.
Clearly in a jubilant mood after securing his victory, Djokovic led the crowd in singing the Beastie Boys classic 'Fight For Your Right'.
“I'm drenched in sweat. I saw Taylor change his shirt a couple of times, it was very humid,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview when asked about the conditions inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“It is difficult to play, but that is why we train and try to be in the best condition to achieve it. It's not easy but you have to fight, as the song says, you have to fight for your right to party.”
The Serbian is in the United States for the first time since 2021 due to his unvaccinated status, but made up for lost time by immediately returning to winning ways at the Cincinnati Open before the US Open, beating Carlos Alcaraz in a final memorable.
Djokovic has continued to look sinister throughout the tournament in New York and the quarterfinals were another stage in which he produced remarkable tennis.
“I like the energy and the atmosphere on the court here. “I thrive on that energy, whatever it is, I use it as fuel to try to play my best tennis,” Djokovic added.
“I've played on this court for so many years, so many epic games. “I can’t wait for another one in a few days.”
Djokovic took a one-set lead against world No. 9 Fritz in just 43 minutes, producing some magical returns and excellent service games.
Fritz, 25, showed courage to get back into the match and went toe-to-toe with the tennis great in the second set. However, despite Fritz's best efforts, a break early in the set allowed Djokovic to take firm control of the tie.
Fritz, who is enjoying his best run at his home Grand Slam, continued to grow in the game and gave Djokovic a tough test in the third set.
The American earned multiple break points against the 36-year-old, but Djokovic continued to produce in the biggest moments to stay ahead.
Many inside Arthur Ashe Stadium continued to cheer for Fritz throughout the tie, but Djokovic was able to use the partisan crowd to his advantage, letting out a roar when he finally won match point.
