Final Score
Novak Djokovic d. Taylor Fritz 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 — Djokovic advances to his record-extending 53rd Grand Slam semifinal and remains undefeated against Fritz at 11–0.
Key Moments & Takeaways
- Crucial tightrope moments: Fritz laden with pressure—he dumped several opportunities, going just 2-for-13 in break-point conversions and missing 9 break chances early on. The American’s failure to seize clutch moments was his undoing.
- Djokovic’s grit shining through: At 38, he saved 11 of 13 break points and leaned on his resilience and experience when it mattered most. His serve faltered under crowd fire, and he admitted he “didn’t feel like dominating” from the baseline—but survival was enough.
- Fritz’s comeback spark fizzles: After winning the third set, Fritz showed signs of shifting momentum—but a critical double fault on match point ended his run, highlighting nerves that tripped him up.
- The human side of Djokovic: Post-match, he delivered a joyful “Soda Pop” dance inspired by K-pop, dedicating it to his daughter’s 8th birthday—a charming reminder that even legends are driven by heart.
- Next stop: The semifinal showdown against Carlos Alcaraz looms, promising another heavy-hitting chapter in their storied rivalry.
Clutch Crunch Take
This was vintage Djokovic—not his smoothest swing, but a masterclass in mental survival. Fritz had the weapons and flashes of brilliance—but Djokovic had the fight. In tennis, composure isn’t just a tactic—it’s a weapon.
(Image credits: Christian Mesiano, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.)