Melbourne, January 23, 2024, The Europe Today: Novak Djokovic faced a stern test from 12th-seeded American Taylor Fritz but secured a hard-fought victory with a 7-6(3) 4-6 6-2 6-3 win at the Australian Open, advancing to a record-extending 48th Grand Slam semifinal.
The defending champion, seeking his 11th title and 25th major to surpass Margaret Court’s record, encountered strong resistance from Fritz in the steamy conditions. Fritz saved eight break points in the marathon first game, displaying resilience and powerful backhand winners.
Despite Fritz breaking early in the second set and Djokovic cooling off with ice packs on his head, the Serbian player finally secured a crucial break on his 16th attempt, taking a 2-0 lead in sets. This breakthrough provided Djokovic with the momentum to clinch the third set and gain control of the match.
Fritz faced challenges with his movement in the fourth set, allowing Djokovic to break in the sixth game. Although Fritz mounted a comeback attempt, Djokovic held firm to secure the victory and advance to the semifinals.
Djokovic’s quest for an 11th Australian Open title continues, and he will face a formidable opponent in the semifinals as he aims to add to his Grand Slam tally.
