CNN
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Novak Djokovic crossed to the Last of the US Open after a dominant 6-3 6-2 7-6 (7-4) win towards younger American Ben Shelton.
Shelton, enjoying in his first time grand slam semi-final, he got here out with all weapons blazing however was unable to put down a giant glove on the all the time spectacular Djokovic.
The world No. 2 was at his finest in the course of the conflict and managed proceedings towards Shelton from begin to end.
“These are the type of matches and events the place I nonetheless thrive and encourage myself daily to attempt to work as exhausting as the fellows,” Djokovic mentioned throughout his on-court interview after the win.
“The Grand Slams are what encourage me essentially the most to play my finest tennis, to play my finest tennis.”
The Serbian’s first break got here within the sixth sport of the match and after going 4-2 up within the first set, Djokovic by no means seemed again and received the primary set 6-3.
This momentum carried over into the subsequent set the place Djokovic raced to assert the second set 6-2 to seize a stranglehold on the match inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Being two units down towards Djokovic is a spot no tennis participant desires to be, and regardless of trailing, Shelton might be pleased with his effort within the closing set.
The world quantity 47 struggled, making it troublesome for Djokovic to progress to the ultimate, and was even in a position to break the 23-time Grand Slam winner’s serve twice in the course of the closing body, forcing a tiebreak.
Djokovic finally took the third set in a tiebreaker and celebrated by imitating his opponent’s celebration, which includes miming holding a cellphone to his ear after which hanging it up, one thing that has develop into a trademark of Shelton’s victories throughout his US Open profession.
The win additionally means the Serbian now has a 30-1 report towards gamers enjoying in his residence slam after knocking out residence crowd favourite Shelton.
“I knew earlier than the quarterfinals that I’d play towards an American participant and that’s by no means simple. To regulate my nerves and be composed within the moments that matter,” added Djokovic.
“As we speak issues went very well for me after which he broke and it was anyone’s sport on the finish of the third set. That is the type of surroundings all of us wish to play in, so I am very, very happy with this win for as we speak”.
At 20 years of age, there are seemingly loads of alternatives for the massive younger server to make it massive in future tournaments, and based mostly on this yr’s US Open, he has greater than sufficient ability to take action.
For Djokvoic, he has reached a record-tying tenth US Open closing and can look to win his fourth title at Flushing Meadows in Sunday’s closing.
She additionally has an opportunity to make historical past and equal Margaret Court docket’s report of 24 Grand Slam singles titles.
The 36-year-old will play the ultimate at Arthur Ashe Stadium towards the winner of the semi-final between Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev afterward Friday.
