2023-09-09 03:24:20
Novak Djokovic reached the final for the tenth time at the US Open in New York. The tennis world number two beat the unseeded American Ben Shelton 6:3.6:2.7:6(4) on Friday. The Serb’s opponent in the final will be Daniil Medvedev. The former winner from Russia somewhat surprisingly defeated the young Spanish tennis star Alcaraz in the semifinals on Friday evening (local time) 7:6 (7:3), 6:1, 3:6, 6:3.
By winning a high-class match lasting 3:19 hours, Medvedev reached his third US Open final in five years and wants his second Grand Slam title in New York after 2021. At that time, the now 27-year-old had a final against Djokovic won, who had missed out on triumphing at all Grand Slams in one year.
In front of more than 23,000 spectators, including numerous guests of honor such as football legend Tom Brady, Oscar winner Jared Leto and basketball star Kevin Durant, Medvedev and Alcaraz delivered numerous spectacular rallies. The 20-year-old Spaniard showed a better performance than his quarter-final win over Alexander Zverev, but he still has to wait for his third Grand Slam title.
Previously, Djokovic, who will climb back to number one in the rankings on Monday, needed 2:42 hours to end the ATP number 47’s fairytale run because of the long third set. With Shelton, the US fans’ last hope of a home win said goodbye in the men’s field.
Djokovic is aiming for his 24th Grand Slam title on Sunday, which would equal Margaret Court’s record. The 36-year-old has won the tournament three times, most recently in 2018. He missed the last two editions due to US entry restrictions in connection with vaccination against the coronavirus. The Serb can now become New York’s oldest champion in the history of professional tennis.
In his 100th US Open match, Djokovic successfully countered the young US star’s aggressive style of play and made use of his experience. Although Shelton managed to score spectacular points, he made too many easy mistakes. In addition, Djokovic had the right answer in the decisive phases, even if he weakened at times towards the end of the third round. He conceded two breaks, had to fend off a set point from Shelton and still kept his nerve in the tie-break.
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