Novak Djokovic set another record on his way into the US Open semi-finals, crushing the home dream of opponent Taylor Fritz along the way on Tuesday.
The second seed constructed a 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 defeat of the national No. 1 and surpassed Roger Federer by reaching his 47th semi-final at a Grand Slam.
He will also be playing a semi here for the 13th time.
Djokovic and Fritz were tested by steamy conditions at Flushing Meadows, with temperatures reaching the 40 Celsius mark.
But the winner of 23 Grand Slam singles titles went about his lethal business, finishing off the lop-sided victory in just over two and a half hours.
“We both struggled I think physically a lot, especially in the first set, set and a half,” Djokovic said.
“Very humid conditions. Just sweating a lot.
“I was reaching for the towel basically after every point. The first set was 6-1, but in time played, it was almost an hour.
“In the second set he started playing better, missing less, hitting the spots better.
“But in the crucial moments I managed to stay tough and find the right shots, make him play always an extra shot. Make him run.
“I know that on the move he’s not really the most comfortable. I think I have done well except a few games here and there where I struggled.’But a very solid performance; I’m really pleased with the way I played.”
After beating Fritz for the eighth time and running his record over Americans here to 11 straight without a loss, Djokovic prepared to face off in the semis.
The closing minutes of the rout were marred by an “out” call from somewhere in the stand which cost Djokovic the game.
But the world No. 2 charged back and polished off victory despite the distraction at the most lawless venue in the sport. he did let his displeasure be known
“People speak, they move around. You’ve got to be ready for that, particularly in the night sessions.
“That’s part of the sport. I don’t mind but in those important moments when you’re under a lot of stress and you’re facing a breakpoint and then all of a sudden everything annoys you and distracts you, so then you react.
“I’m actually glad the crowd wants to get into it, because it means that the matchis interesting. They pay tickets to come and watch you play, so we try to put on a show and perform for them so they go back home satisfied.”
Djokovic’s win was a repeat of a similar outcome barely a fortnight ago in the Cincinnati tune-up event.
The 36-year-old winner is the only player this season to reach the quarters at all four of the majors.
Djokovic has not lost to a US player since 2016 Wimbledon, when Sam Querrey caught him out.
