Novak Djokovic hinted at fitness problems after knocking home favourite Taylor Fritz out of the US Open to set up a semi-final clash with Carlos Alcaraz.
In the opening two rounds of the US Open, Djokovic looked every one of his 38 years, but as the tournament has progresses he seems to be shedding the last few years to beat players ahead of him in the rankings.
Unfortunately for Fritz, and the partisan Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, he was on the receiving end of a disappointing defeat.
Djokovic was not in every point, or even every game. In fact, Djokovic only won four more points in total than Fritz, hitting fewer winners and aces.
But when it came down to it, few in the cavernous stadium ever felt Djokovic was really going to lose, despite the home fans willing that to be the case.
Novak Djokovic is dancing into the semifinals of the US Open. pic.twitter.com/SgyMP6y1kr
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 3, 2025
When asked about the next round, Djokovic said: “I’m going to try to take one day at a time. Really take care of my body. Try to relax and recover. The next couple of days is really key for me to really get my body in shape and ready to battle five sets if it’s needed.
“I just would really love that. Would love to be fit enough to play and to play, you know, potentially five sets with Carlos. I know that my best tennis is going to be required, but I’d rise to the occasion.
“Normally I like to play the big matches on a big stage. It’s just that I’m, you know, not really sure how the body is going to feel in the next few days. But, you know, I’m going to do my very best with my team to be fit for that.”
In the quarter-final, Fritz dug deep to save two set points while trying to serve to stay in the match and second set, but when he double faulted on the third, the crowd were stunned into silence.
There was only a moment where it threatened to tip over, when the shouts came in as Djokovic was preparing to serve.
As the boos rang out following a conversation with the umpire, the next break in play subdued the spectators, who tried to lift Fritz to a second successive US Open final.
Although Alcaraz might be encouraged by what Fritz had to say after the match.
“I think he gave me a lot more mistakes than he normally does and gave me a lot more looks,” Fritz said.
“I wasn’t doing much, and I was getting all those breakpoint chances the first two sets.”
On Friday, Djokovic will be playing against Alcaraz in his 53rd grand slam semi-final, and his 14th at the US Open – a record he now shares with Jimmy Connors.
04:36 AM BST
GAME, SET, MATCH: 6-3 7-5 3-6 6-4 Fritz*
Fritz is serving to stay in the set, but also the match here, and he misses the first point. Firing a backhand down the line a metre over the baseline.
But after a shot from Djokovic just clips the baseline, he finds himself 0-30 down.
After a baseline exchange, it’s Djokovic who blinks first. He stoops bent over his racket as Fritz edged to close the deficit at 15-30.
Fritz has hit one into the tramlines, and Djokovic has two match points. Fritz saves the first after another long rally when Djokovic hits the ball into the net.
And he saves the second! Djokovic hits long!
Fritz makes another error after that monumental effort and Djokovic has a third match point.
Fritz double faults after some shouts from the crowd and Djokovic is into the semi-finals.
Game, set, match, Djokovic.
04:26 AM BST
Djokovic* 6-3 7-5 3-6 5-4 Fritz
Djokovic fires a wide ace to take a 30-0 lead, then comes to the net to go 40-0 up with a high backhand volley.
Djokovic holds to love. Over to Fritz.
04:24 AM BST
Djokovic 6-3 7-5 3-6 4-4 Fritz*
Fritz has missed an overhead smash, he set it up well, forcing Djokovic wide and opening up the court but then fired it long.
Despite the start, Fritz moves ahead to 30-15 with an ace, and an overhit forehand from Djokovic puts him on the brink of a hold.
Fritz holds to 30 with an ace.
04:19 AM BST
Djokovic* 6-3 7-5 3-6 4-3 Fritz
Djokovic takes the first point of the game when Fritz hits the ball long, and after pouncing on a ball that sits up off the net cord makes it 30-0.
A quick serve and volley and Djokovic is within touching distance of putting the pressure back on his opponent.
But just as he looked in control, Djokovic double faults. 40-15, but goes on to hold.
04:15 AM BST
Djokovic 6-3 7-5 3-6 3-3 Fritz*
Djokovic has just handed a bottle to a ball boy to run over to his team in his box who will presumably make up a drink of whatever he feels the player needs.
Djokovic finds the net and Fritz moves 15-0 ahead, after a poor forehand from Djokovic however, it’s all level.
A ball is hit too high by Fritz and Djokovic pounces with a winner, but the American has stayed in the contest so far. 40-15.
Fritz holds to 15.
04:11 AM BST
Djokovic* 6-3 7-5 3-6 3-2 Fritz
The crowd are disrupting Djokovic again as he prepares to serve, but this time it does not affect him.
After a quick baseline exchange dictated by the Serbian, he establishes a 40-0 lead.
But Fritz then wins two points in a row to put his opponent under some pressure, and he manages to drag it back to deuce.
Djokovic pulls out an ace at the right time, and Fritz hits a backhand into the net to ensure the 38-year-old holds.
04:06 AM BST
Djokovic 6-3 7-5 3-6 2-2 Fritz*
Fritz edges ahead quickly, with two big serves.
But it was after an quick rally that his confidence was most evident, with a shot from the net that just bounced on the baseline.
Fritz holds to love.
04:02 AM BST
Djokovic* 6-3 7-5 3-6 2-1 Fritz
Djokovic revs up for a big forehand winner but hits it long, 0-15, but he recovers it with a well-placed serve that Fritz hits downwards.
Another deft serve and volley and Djokovic moves 30-15 ahead and goes on to hold.
03:59 AM BST
Djokovic 6-3 7-5 3-6 1-1 Fritz*
Fritz starts with a big serve that Djokovic can only return into the net.
The American follows it up with an ace and holds easily.
03:57 AM BST
Djokovic* 6-3 7-5 3-6 1-0 Fritz
Djokovic will serve at the start of this fourth set and takes the opening point as Fritz does not quite execute a lob.
Fritz makes the next error as well, hitting a forehand into the net.
A double fault from Djokovic hands Fritz his first point of the fourth set.
Djokovic holds to 15.
03:50 AM BST
SET: Djokovic 6-3 7-5 3-6 Fritz*
Fritz is the one who blinks first as he serves out for the set, hitting a backhand into the net.
With an ace Fritz carves out two set points, and he takes it! After Djokovic comes to the net and cannot win the point, he has pulled a set back.
03:47 AM BST
Djokovic* 6-3 7-5 3-5 Fritz
Djokovic starts with a strong serve and seals the point on the second ball with a winner, 0-15.
A wild forehand from Fritz and Djokovic eases to 30-0, and then 40-0 after a short rally.
He seals the game with a perfect drop shot.
03:42 AM BST
Djokovic 6-3 7-5 2-5 Fritz*
Fritz starts his service game with a big ace down the middle, and a second to move 30-0 ahead.
After two returns that he shouldn’t able have been to get anywhere near, Fritz takes the next point with a winner, and seals the game with an ace.
Djokovic will be serving to stay in the third set.
03:41 AM BST
Djokovic* 6-3 7-5 2-4 Fritz
Djokovic protested the cries from the crowd in his last service game, and misses the first point of this one, 0-15, but he follows it up with an ace.
A serve and volley combination gives Djokovic the lead at 30-15, before he eases to a 40-15 lead.
Djokovic holds to 15.
03:37 AM BST
Djokovic 6-3 7-5 1-4 Fritz*
Fritz was ready to serve and Djokovic walks over to change his racket. The crowd, who thought he was going to speak to the umpire again, booed.
Djokovic hits a backhand into the net and Fritz moves 15-0 ahead, and he does almost exactly the same thing the next point.
After a slightly longer rally, Djokovic comes to the net and has to stretch too far for a volley and can only hit it straight into the net.
Fritz goes on to hold comfortably.
03:34 AM BST
BREAK: Djokovic* 6-3 7-5 1-3 Fritz
Over to Djokovic, who moves 15-0 up when Fritz returns into the net.
But the American draws level with a good passing shot as Djokovic is drawn to the net.
Djokovic hits the ball long and Fritz edges ahead at 15-30.
Fritz digs in again to take the game to deuce. Djokovic is getting annoyed now as people call out from the stands as he is preparing to serve.
It results in a double fault to the delight of the crowd, but he is unhappy. Fritz has break point and Djokovic is having words with the umpire. The crowd have not liked that either and there are some boos around Arthur Ashe.
Fritz had the chance, but hits the ball into the net. He manages to carve out another break point, and that one the American does take.
The crowd erupt and are on their feet.
03:23 AM BST
Djokovic 6-3 7-5 1-2 Fritz*
Fritz starts his game with a wide ace. Djokovic cannot get on top of a kicked serve and hits it long before gesturing to his box.
But a double fault from Fritz and it’s 30-15.
That’s a good recovery though as he follows it up with an ace, and goes on to hold to 15.
03:21 AM BST
Djokovic* 6-3 7-5 1-1 Fritz
Djokovic has double faulted at the start of his service game. The next point he is sent sprinting sideways and cannot direct his shot anywhere but the net.
Fritz misses a forehand and it’s 30-30, but after a big serve Djokovic moves ahead.
Fritz forces this game to deuce as well with a big overhead. But a great serve and Djokovic has the advantage, and he goes on to hold.
03:16 AM BST
Djokovic 6-3 7-5 0-1 Fritz*
Djokovic and Fritz have both left the court after that frenetic second set, which despite the American’s best efforts, went the same way as the first.
It will be disappointing for Fritz, he was the better player for at least 45 minutes in the middle there, but was unable to really make it count.
Djokovic is the last one to come back onto court, with a bag tucked under his arm, seemingly he went off to change his clothes.
Fritz will serve at the start of this third set and starts off well, establishing a 30-0 lead with an overhead shot, and then goes 40-0 up.
But a series of wild forehands later and Djokovic has pulled it back to deuce. It might have been more difficult than he needed it to be, but crucially, Fritz holds.
03:03 AM BST
SET: Djokovic 6-3 7-5 Fritz*
Djokovic takes the first point as he serves out for the second set with an open court forehand winner.
Another return from Fritz, this one also goes long, Djokovic moves 30-0 ahead.
Fritz goes on the attack, lashing a forehand deep that Djokovic can only hit into the net.
Another mistake from the Serbian, and it’s 30-30. The quality has dipped slightly, and Fritz hits the ball out.
Djokovic has a set point, and Fritz sets up the point before backhanding into the net.
02:57 AM BST
BREAK: Djokovic 6-3 6-5 Fritz*
Fritz then double faults at the start of his own service game, and Djokovic moves 0-30 ahead.
But after a baseline exchange, it’s Djokovic who blinks first, hitting a backhand into the tramlines. 15-30.
Fritz again hits long and Djokovic has two break points to restore his lead in the second set.
Fritz double faults and all that hard work of the last game is essentially undone.
02:53 AM BST
BREAK: Djokovic* 6-3 5-5 Fritz
Fritz has done the first challenge, he goes big from the baseline and follows it up with a volleyed winner at the net, 0-15.
Djokovic double faults to make it 0-30, and Fritz has three break points after the Serbian hits a volley into the net.
He saves the first with a serve that Fritz cannot return inside the lines – his 10th break point saved of the match so far.
But a tame backhand volley is missed and Fritz breaks back to the delight of the Arthur Ashe crowd.
02:48 AM BST
Djokovic 6-3 5-4 Fritz*
For the second time in the match, Fritz is serving to stay in the set.
He eases to the first two points, but Djokovic also did this against Cameron Norrie when he was ahead – conserved energy for his own service games.
A double fault though and Djokovic has a point at 30-15.
Fritz holds, but he has to break now or find himself two sets behind.
02:44 AM BST
Djokovic* 6-3 5-3 Fritz
In between the games there is always time, on Arthur Ashe at least, for a moment of celebrity-spotting. In the crowd tonight are Remi Malek, Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson.
On court, Djokovic finds himself yet again behind in one of his service games.
Fritz hits a straightforward backhand into the net and the scores are level, 15-15.
Two mistakes from Fritz and Djokovic takes a 40-15 lead and goes on to hold.
02:40 AM BST
BREAK: Djokovic 6-3 4-3 Fritz*
Fritz starts the next game with an ace, but then makes two mistakes and Djokovic edges ahead at 15-30.
After two impressive games on Djokovic’s serve, Fritz now has to save two break points of his own.
And Fritz has been broken to 15, after a poor drop shot allows Djokovic to dictate play.
02:36 AM BST
Djokovic* 6-3 3-3 Fritz
Djokovic’s last service game went the distance and he has to race to the net before hitting a ball into the net 0-15.
Djokovic finds himself behind again at 15-30, but levels at 30-30.
Fritz forces Djokovic wide and comes to the net to take the game to deuce with a big overhead winner.
For the second game in a row, Fritz carves out a break point. Djokovic saves his ninth break point of the match with a strong serve and overhead smash.
Djokovic again manages to weather the storm, and hold.
02:26 AM BST
Djokovic 6-3 2-3 Fritz*
Fritz has recovered well from his missed break opportunities, establishing a 40-15 lead and then taking the game with two big serves.
02:23 AM BST
Djokovic* 6-3 2-2 Fritz
Djokovic has not been quite as confident this set and Fritz has won the first two points of the game.
But Djokovic pulls one back with an ace 15-30.
Djokovic’s shot hit the line, but Fritz was a bit late on his, hitting it out. 30-30.
Another error from Djokovic and Fritz has his first break point of the game. He has had six so far in the match, and taken none of them.
Another ace, and the game goes to deuce. Fritz forces another with a perfect passing shot.
Fritz carves out another break opportunity, but in the end Djokovic holds.
02:13 AM BST
Djokovic 6-3 1-2 Fritz*
Fritz has served a lot better this set, and moves 40-0 ahead when a shot from Djokovic hits the net cord and bounces out.
Another good serve that Djokovic can only return long and Fritz holds.
02:12 AM BST
Djokovic* 6-3 1-1 Fritz
Djokovic takes a decisive lead in this game, moving 30-0 ahead and holds easily.
02:08 AM BST
Djokovic 6-3 0-1 Fritz*
Fritz starts the second set with a big serve and takes the first point.
This is one of his best service games, taking control of the points and manipulating Djokovic around the court.
Fritz holds to love.
02:03 AM BST
SET: Djokovic* 6-3 Fritz
Djokovic has made the first error while serving out for the set, hitting the ball into the net 0-15.
And he does the same thing again to the delight of the partisan crowd. 0-30.
Fritz this time makes an error, hitting the ball into the net, 15-30.
Djokovic then hits the ball into the net, and Fritz has two break points and a chance to get back into this opening set.
Djokovic saves the first by pouncing on a tame forehand, and the second after the best [and longest] rally of the match – with 25 shots. He then puts his finger to his ear as the crowd make their appreciation heard. 40-40.
Fritz will have another chance, even if it did come after a fortunate net-cord bounce, but Djokovic saves that one as well.
Djokovic hits the ball into the net, and Fritz will have a third chance to break back. But again the Serbian saves the point.
Another mistake from Djokovic, another break point to Fritz [the 5th one]. Instead it’s Djokovic who moves on to set-point.
And he takes the opener.
01:50 AM BST
Djokovic 5-3 Fritz*
Fritz loses the first point with a long forehand. 0-15.
Fritz has to come from behind twice, but he manages to draw level at 30-30.
Instead, another long forehand gives Djokovic set point on Fritz’s serve.
He saves it when Djokovic hits the ball into the net, and goes on to hold.
01:45 AM BST
Djokovic* 5-2 Fritz
Djokovic is playing nicely here and sliding around the court well.
Djokovic has had no issues in this game, and holds to love.
It will be over to Fritz to serve to try and stay in the opening set.
01:41 AM BST
Djokovic 4-2 Fritz*
Again Fritz goes behind in his service game again and then comes back into it quickly.
But in the long rallies Djokovic still has the edge, moving to 15-30 with a backhand down the line winner.
Fritz holds to 30.
01:37 AM BST
Djokovic* 4-1 Fritz
Fritz follows up his hold by forcing Djokovic into a mistake at the start of his service game, but he cannot build on it and hits long. 15-15.
Fritz edges ahead again with a baseline forehand winner, but Djokovic digs in with a body serve that the American hits into the net. 30-30.
Djokovic holds.
01:33 AM BST
Djokovic 3-1 Fritz*
That was a good start from Fritz, he takes the first point with a deft drop shot.
But Djokovic has been equal to everything Fritz has thrown at him so far, and he was again there, coming to the net and winning the point. 15-15.
Fritz has won his first game of the match, holding to 15 with a big serve that Djokovic has to throw himself to reach and his return is long.
01:28 AM BST
Djokovic* 3-0 Fritz
Djokovic takes the first point, and Fritz makes a mistake as the points stand at 30-0.
Another miss-hit from Fritz, this time long.
Djokovic has made a catalogue of errors here, and Fritz has somehow taken the game to deuce.
Djokovic hits it long and Fritz has a break point, but it’s saved with a serve that the American hits into the net.
Djokovic holds.
01:21 AM BST
BREAK: Djokovic 2-0 Fritz*
Fritz makes no mistakes at the start of his service game, and he can cause Djokovic problems.
But he hits one long and it’s 15-15.
Frit’s had gone behind, but he dictates play, sending Djokovic running and takes the point to go 30-30.
But Fritz has made an error and it’s Djokovic who has break point.
That’s Fritz’s first test and he comes through after another long rally, but Djokovic carves out another break point. Again it’s saved, this time by a big serve from Fritz.
Another error from Fritz, who hits a forehand into the net, and Djokovic has a third, and that one he takes.
01:15 AM BST
Djokovic* 1-0 Fritz (* denotes server)
Djokovic will serve first, with both players wearing night-time black clothes, and he starts with an ace.
Fritz has his first point when Djokovic miss-hits a forehand, another miss-hit and it’s 30-30.
Djokovic holds to 30.
01:06 AM BST
Taylor Fritz looks for first career win against Djokovic
Ashe is a unique venue at night under the lights, but the lights have come up and it is almost time for tennis.
01:04 AM BST
Djokovic and Fritz walk onto Arthur Ashe
The players have come out to the smoke corridor. This is a big highly anticipated clash.
01:03 AM BST
Djokovic moved earlier
Marketa Vondrousova pulled out of her US Open quarter-final against Aryna Sabalenka just an hour and a half before she was due to step out onto Arthur Ashe.
Vondrousova, who won Wimbledon in 2023, had knocked out Jasmine Paolini and Elena Rybakina to reach the quarter-finals.
“I am sorry to announce that I have to withdraw from my quarter-final match this evening due to a knee injury,” Vondrousova said in a statement.
“I tried my best to take the court today but during the warm-up I felt again my knee and after consultation with the tournament doctor decided not to risk aggravating the injury.
“I appreciate all the support this tournament and apologise to the fans who were looking forward to the match. I had an amazing time here in New York and can’t wait to be back next year.”
The outcome of that match means Djokovic against Fritz will be the only match on Arthur Ashe this evening, at a revised time of 8pm local time [1am BST].
12:37 AM BST
Djokovic misses his daughter’s birthday
Novak Djokovic’s match against Taylor Fritz is on the same day as his daughter’s birthday.
When asked about it before the match, he said: “She was not very happy about it, me being absent from the birthday party. Don’t remind me of that, please. But I’ll try to win if I’m here.
“At least I’m going to try to win and give her that kind of present. I’m going to send some nice presents, as well (smiling), nice surprises for her birthday party. Hopefully the win can be something she can be happy with.
“But again, yeah, daddy away and daddy present is a big difference. I know that, but it is what it is this year.”
11:50 PM BST
Taylor Fritz in the hunt for first-ever win over Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic will take on Taylor Fritz in bid to set up a US Open semi-final against Carlos Alcaraz.
For Fritz, who will have the backing of the home crowd, to cause an upset he will have to do something he has not managed on 10 occasions in tennis: win against Djokovic.
Since their first meeting in Monte Carlo six years ago, Djokovic has won all 10 encounters between the players.
In those 10 meetings, Fritz has only won three sets, one in the Australian Open last year, and in a five-setter also at Melbourne Park in 2021.
Fritz might not have a better chance than now though, as Djokovic is now 38 years old and looked to be struggling at times in his first two matches.
Since then however he has looked impenetrable, breezing past Cameron Norrie and Jan-Lennard Struff.
The only concern for Djokovic will be the calls to his trainer in both those matches where he received treatment between sets.
“I think the first, almost like seven or eight times I played him, I probably just wasn’t a good-enough player to really have that much of a chance unless I have the best day ever and he has a bad day,” Fritz said after his fourth-round win.
“I think only the last couple times we’ve played I think I’ve been this just better player that can, you know, I’d say compete and have chances.”
For Djokovic, Fritz is the latest step on his quest for a record-beating 25th grand slam title. But in the last few years he has been overtaken by Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, and other than the Olympic Games, has not won a major since the US Open in 2023.
Should Djokovic win against Fritz, he will have a semi-final against Alcaraz on Friday.
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