US Open
Djokovic stops young star Shelton and reaches final
Novak Djokovic in action. photo
© Frank Franklin II/AP/dpa
Novak Djokovic is unstoppable at the US Open. In the semifinals, the Serb defeated the young American star Ben Shelton. Now he can break more records.
Top favorite Novak Djokovic has reached the final for the tenth time Reached the US Open and can hope for his 24th Grand Slam title. The 36-year-old Serb won the semifinals against Ben Shelton, 16 years his junior, on Friday 6:3, 6:2, 7:6 (7:4) and ended the title hopes of the second American in a row after defeating Taylor Fritz.
Djokovic can win his fourth US Open title on Sunday and become the oldest New York champion in the history of professional tennis. He will face either defending champion Carlos Alcaraz from Spain or Russian Daniil Medvedev.
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. After 2:40 hours, Djokovic converted his second match point.
In the final he has the chance to extend his title record for men’s tennis and also draw level with Australian Margaret Court, who has the most Grand Slam triumphs among women. For Djokovic it is his 36th final at a major, which puts him well ahead of Roger Federer (31st) in the men’s category.