Novak Djokovic equals Roger Federer’s record after making his 10th US Open and 36th Grand Slam final

Djokovic one step closer to winning a record-extending 24th Grand Slam title

Novak Djokovic equals Roger Federer’s record after making his 10th US Open and 36th Grand Slam final

Novak Djokovic (Source: IMAGO)

23-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic put on a clinical performance to get the better of 19-year-old American Ben Shelton in the semi-final of US Open 2023. The 2nd seed defeated the southpaw 6-3,6-2,7-6(4) to reach his 10th final at the US Open. Djokovic has won the US Open 3 times and lost the most finals here(6) among all Grand Slams.

This will be his 36th Grand Slam final appearance and the 4th this year. He has reached the final of all 4 Grand Slams in the year for the third time in his career. With this feat, he has equaled Roger Federer‘s record of reaching the final of all four Grand Slams in a season for the third time.

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The 2nd seed put on a clean performance in the first set, hitting just 4 unforced errors. Surprisingly, Djokovic struggled to close out the match as he was broken while serving for the match in the third set and missed out on match points too. Shelton was making his first Grand Slam semifinal appearance and his inexperience showed up in crucial moments.

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“These are the matches I thrive on that inspire me to wake up every day. To work as hard as the young guys. Grand Slams count most in our sport. I knew prior to QF & SF I’m gonna play an American. This is the kind of atmosphere we all like to play in,” Djokovic said after the match in an on-court interview.

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Novak Djokovic credits discipline for his 36th Grand Slam final appearance

djokovic 1st round us open 2023
Novak Djokovic at the US Open (Credits : USTA)

“Discipline is everything. I think it is a combination of discipline, will power and clarity of what you want to do,” Djokovic said after reaching his 36th Grand Slam final. The first 2 sets were an exhibition of disciplined shot-making by the Serb. Djokovic put his body behind the forehands fired by Shelton eventually forcing the American to make a mistake.

“What your short and long-term goals are. I have been pleased to play this sport for many years and have achieved a lot. I still feel I have something in my legs left, I feel I still have a lot to give to the sport. Another Grand Slam final, I can’t be happier,” Djokovic added. The 2nd seed would be particularly content with his return game. Djokovic earned 14 breakpoints, winning 5 of them, against Shelton’s lightning serves.

Next up Djokovic will face the winner of the encounter between the previous 2 champions of the US Open, in the final. Defending champion and 1st seed Carlos Alcaraz will face the 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev in the 2nd semi-final encounter. Both of these players have previously defeated Djokovic in a Grand Slam final.

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