Novak Djokovic advanced to the US Open final with a 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) victory over American Ben Shelton.
Shelton came out all guns blazing in his first grand slam semifinal, but was unable to lay a glove on the ever-impressive Djokovic.
During the match, the world No. 2 was at his imperious best, dominating Shelton from start to end.
“These are the kinds of matches and occasions that I still thrive on and that get me going and inspire me every day to try and work as hard as the young guys,” Djokovic said after the win in an on-court interview.
“The grand slams are the ones that motivate me the most to play my best tennis, to perform my best tennis.”
Djokovic’s first break came in the sixth game of the match, and after going up 4-2 in the first set, he never looked back, winning the set 6-3.
This momentum continued over to the next set, which Djokovic won 6-2 to take a commanding lead in the match inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
No tennis player likes to be two sets down against Djokovic, and despite being behind, Shelton will be proud of his efforts in the last set.
The world No. 47 toiled away, making it difficult for Djokovic to advance to the final, and he even broke Djokovic’s serve twice during the penultimate session, forcing a tiebreak.
Djokovic finally won the third set in a tiebreak and celebrated by mimicking his opponent’s celebration, which entails miming holding a phone to his ear and then hanging up, which has become a characteristic of Shelton’s victories during his US Open run.
After defeating home crowd favorite Shelton, the Serbian now has a 30-1 record against players competing in their home slam.
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“I knew I’d be playing an American player in the quarterfinals, which is never easy.” “To control the nerves and remain composed in crucial moments,” Djokovic continued.
“Today was going really well for me until he broke back, and it was anyone’s game at the end of the third set.” This is the type of atmosphere in which we all like playing, so I am overjoyed with today’s victory.”
At 20 years old, the big serving teenager will certainly have plenty of opportunities to go big in future events, and based on this year’s US Open, he has more than enough skill to do so.
Djokovic has now reached a record-tying 10th US Open final, and he will be seeking to capture his fourth trophy at Flushing Meadows on Sunday.
He also has the opportunity to break Margaret Court’s record of 24 grand slam singles victories.
The 36-year-old will face the winner of the semifinal match between Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev later on Friday at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
