Novak Djokovic reacts to breaking Roger Federer’s astonishing Slam record
© Getty Images Sport – Clive Brunskill
Novak Djokovic gave credit to everyone who played a part in his success after surpassing Roger Federer for the most Grand Slam semifinals in tennis history. On Tuesday, Djokovic saw off Taylor Fritz 6-1 6-4 6-4 in the US Open quarterfinal.
Now, Djokovic is set to play in his 47th Grand Slam semifinal.
“This is the sport that’s given me so much in my life. Coming from Serbia, a war-torn country.
I faced a lot of adversity and had to endure along with my parents & family to even get a shot. I was very lucky to encounter some people who believed in me. Without them, wouldn’t be here.. I don’t know how many more opportunities I’ll get so I’m trying to enjoy as much as I possibly can,” Djokovic said.
Novak Djokovic on passing Roger Federer for most Grand Slam semifinals in history:
“This is the sport that’s given me so much.
Coming from Serbia, a war-torn country, I faced a lot of adversity & had to endure along with my parents & family to even get a shot. I was very lucky… pic.twitter.com/ZLADmBiUwN — The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 5, 2023
Djokovic beats Fritz, passes Federer
Against Fritz, Djokovic claimed the first break in the second game for a 2-0 lead but got broken back in the third game.
However, blowing an early break didn’t impact Djokovic, who broke Fritz again in the fourth and sixth games to still easily win the first set. After winning the first set, Djokovic also claimed the first break of the second set in the third game to open a 2-1 lead.
Up by a break in the second set, Djokovic held on to his service for the remainder of the second set to take a two-set lead. In the third set, Djokovic earned the first break of the set in the seventh game for a 4-3 lead. Down by a set and a break.
Fritz refused to quit as he managed to break back Djokovic in the eighth game and tie the third set to four games apiece. But just after getting a break back, Fritz lost his service again in the ninth game and Djokovic served out for the match in the 10th game.