Novak Djokovic moved a step closer to a record 25th Grand Slam title as he brushed aside qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3 6-3 6-2 to reach the ongoing US Open quarter-finals.
The 38-year-old, who twice required treatment on court, showed few signs of discomfort during the match, finishing with 33 winners, 12 aces and no double faults in a commanding display that lasted just under two hours.
Fitness questions linger
Djokovic arrived in New York short on match practice after skipping the Masters events in Toronto and Cincinnati.
He looked fatigued in his early rounds and carried a back issue into his third-round victory over Cameron Norrie, against Struff, he again called for the physio – first for a neck problem and later for his right forearm – but the setbacks did not appear to hinder his level.
“It definitely helps if you serve well,” Djokovic said. “I out-served one of the guys with the most aces this tournament, which makes my life easier on court. Maybe I don’t need to work as hard or unnecessarily more than I have to.”
Djokovic dedicates his violin celebration at the end of each win to his daughter Tara, who is learning how to play the instrument
Quarter-final clash with Fritz
The world No 7 will now face home favourite Taylor Fritz, the fourth seed, who beat Czech Tomas Machac in straight sets—6-4 6-3 6-3.
Djokovic revealed the match coincides with his daughter Tara’s birthday, admitting she was disappointed he would miss the party.
“She was not very happy about it, me being absent from the birthday party. Don’t remind me of that, please. I’ll try to win and give her that kind of present.”
Milestone moment
At 38 years and 94 days, Djokovic became the oldest player in the Open era to reach the quarter-finals at all four majors in the same season. The Serb, a four-time US Open champion, acknowledged the significance of the moment:
“I don’t know how many more I am going to have, so each one is very special.”
Match summary
Djokovic raced to a double-break lead at 4-0 in the first set, surviving a brief wobble before sealing it 6-3. He then recovered from a slow start in the second to reel off four straight games and move two sets ahead, receiving further treatment at the changeover.
Any doubts about his physical condition were quickly dismissed in the third, as an early break paved the way for a comfortable finish and his 64th Grand Slam quarter-final from 80 appearances.
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