CNN
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Novak Djokovic cruised via to the US Open closing after a dominant 6-3 6-2 7-6 (7-4) win in opposition to American teen Ben Shelton.
Shelton, taking part in in his first ever grand slam semifinal, got here out all weapons blazing however was unable to put a lot of a glove on the ever-impressive Djokovic.
The world No. 2 was at his imperious greatest throughout the conflict and managed proceedings in opposition to Shelton from begin to end.
“These are the sorts of matches and events that I nonetheless thrive on and get me going and encourage me day by day to attempt to work as exhausting because the younger guys,” Djokovic stated throughout his on-court interview after the win.
“The grand slams are those that encourage me essentially the most to play my greatest tennis, carry out my greatest tennis.”
The Serbian’s first break got here within the sixth recreation of the match and after going up 4-2 within the first set, Djokovic by no means regarded again – happening to win the primary set 6-3.
This momentum carried into the following set the place Djokovic raced on to assert the second set 6-2 to seize a stranglehold on the encounter inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Being two units down in opposition to Djokovic is a spot the place no tennis participant desires to be and, regardless of being behind, Shelton might be pleased with his efforts within the closing set.
The world No. 47 toiled away, making it tough for Djokovic to advance to the ultimate, and he was even capable of break the serve of the 23-time grand slam winner twice throughout the closing body – forcing a tiebreak.
Djokovic ultimately took the third set within the tiebreak and celebrated by imitating his opponent’s celebration – which entails miming holding a telephone to his ear after which hanging it up – one thing that has turn into a trademark of Shelton’s victories throughout his US Open run.
The win additionally implies that the Serbian now has a 30-1 document in opposition to gamers taking part in of their house slam after knocking out the house crowd favourite Shelton.
“I knew previous to the quarterfinals that I’d play an American participant and that’s by no means straightforward. To regulate the nerves and be composed within the moments that matter,” Djokovic added.
“At present issues have been going actually easily for me after which he broke again and it was anybody’s recreation on the finish of the third set. That is the sort of environment all of us prefer to play in, so I’m actually, actually happy with this win right this moment.”
At 20 years outdated, there’ll possible be loads of alternatives for the massive serving teen to go huge in future tournaments and, primarily based on this 12 months’s US Open, he has greater than sufficient ability to take action.
For Djokvoic, he has now made it to a record-equaling tenth US Open closing and he might be trying to win his fourth title at Flushing Meadows in Sunday’s closing.
He additionally has the prospect to make historical past and degree Margaret Courtroom’s document of 24 grand slam singles titles.
The 36-year-old will play the ultimate on Arthur Ashe Stadium in opposition to the winner of the semifinal between Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev who play in a while Friday.
