New York — Novak Djokovic advanced to the semifinals of the U.S. Open, displaying his signature resilience in a four-set match against Taylor Fritz on Tuesday night. After taking a two-set lead, Djokovic faced a spirited challenge from Fritz, the last American man remaining in the singles draw, but ultimately secured a 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 victory.

The match was marked by a tense atmosphere as Djokovic engaged playfully with a vocal crowd rooting for Fritz, but he remained focused on achieving the win. His performance improved his record against Fritz to 11-0 and set the stage for another record-extending Grand Slam semifinal, his 53rd overall. Djokovic’s success at Flushing Meadows now includes 14 semifinal appearances, maintaining his status as a dominant force in the tournament.

“I was just trying to survive,” Djokovic said regarding the match’s intensity. While he experienced challenges, particularly in the latter sets, he relied on his experience to close out the match. Three match points were needed before the contest ended on an anticlimactic double fault by Fritz.

The exit of Fritz, who was seeded fourth, prolongs a significant drought for American men since Andy Roddick won the U.S. Open in 2003. After the match, Fritz acknowledged Djokovic’s ability to seize pivotal moments, which has solidified the Serbian’s place among the game’s elite.

On Friday, Djokovic will face off against Carlos Alcaraz, the second seed, who has yet to drop a set in the tournament. Alcaraz reached this stage by defeating Jiri Lehecka in straight sets. Historical context favors Djokovic, who leads their head-to-head record 5-3, with victories in their last two encounters at key tournaments.

Throughout his match with Fritz, Djokovic’s tactical prowess was on full display. He dominated lengthy rallies, winning 25 of the 42 points that lasted nine strokes or more. Additionally, he successfully saved 11 of the 13 break points he faced, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

Fritz started the match tentatively, perhaps influenced by the expectations surrounding him as the last American in the draw. A service break early on set the tone for Djokovic, who swiftly built a lead that Fritz, despite his efforts to regain momentum, could not overcome.

Throughout the match, Djokovic had a bit of a tussle with the crowd, which added to the electric atmosphere of Arthur Ashe Stadium. As the match progressed, spectators cheered both players’ mistakes, an unusual occurrence in tennis, leading to moments of levity amid the tension.

As the night wore on, the exchange between Djokovic and the crowd became more animated, particularly during the third set. Despite these distractions, Djokovic maintained his composure and regained control when it mattered most, proving again why he is considered a benchmark for excellence in the sport.

In summary, Djokovic’s resilience and strategic execution allowed him to prevail once more, advancing him to yet another semifinal. With the storied rivalry against Alcaraz on the horizon, fans can expect an electrifying showdown on Friday.