Novak Djokovic pays an ode to his parents for raising him well in a war-torn country after reaching his 47th Grand Slam semifinal at 2023 US Open

Djokovic beat Taylor Fritz by 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 in the quarterfinals of the US Open.

Novak Djokovic pays an ode to his parents for raising him well in a war-torn country after reaching his 47th Grand Slam semifinal at 2023 US Open

Novak Djokovic (Image via:Tennis Majors)

Serbia’s tennis star Novak Djokovic defeated American top seed Taylor Fritz in the quarter-final round on Tuesday at the Flushing Meadows. As he made history, the 36-year-old made sure to thank his parents and mentors for raising him right.

Novak Djokovic beat his quarter-final opponent, winning the match against him in a series of three sets. He advanced to the next round, scoring 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 over Fritz to make it to his 47th Grand Slam semi-finals. The 36-year-old achieved a historic feat with his latest win as he surpassed tennis legend, Roger Federer‘s record of most Grand Slam semi-finals appearances.

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The World No. 2, following his victory over Fritz, acknowledged the past and expressed his gratitude for the records he has been able to break. Djokovic said, “This is the sport that has given me so much in my life, coming from Serbia, a war-torn country when I was growing up, I faced a lot of adversity growing up and I had to endure a lot to even get a shot to travel and play international sport.” He further admitted that he was lucky to encounter some “knowledgeable and passionate people” without whom he wouldn’t be on the US Open court.

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The Serb also thanked his parents for their love and support. He further stated, “It is a huge opportunity every time I step out on the court at this stage. I don’t know how many more opportunities I will get so I am trying to enjoy it as much as possible.” Djokovic will play his upcoming semi-final round at the Arthur Ashe Stadium against America’s Ben Shelton on Saturday.

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Novak Djokovic to face Ben Shelton in the semi-finals

Ben Shelton, Novak Djokovic
(L) Ben Shelton; (R) Novak Djokovic (Images via: Racquet Magazine/News18)

Novak Djokovic is eyeing his 24th Grand Slam win. However, the Serb will be up for a bit of a challenge against 20-year-old Ben Shelton on Saturday. The two semi-finalists will clash on-court at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Shelton, who has got some powerful serves up his sleeve, has created quite a buzz in the tennis world with his US Open appearance. He is a left-handed player who broke the record of the fastest serve with his 149 mph smashes in his fourth round against fourteenth seed, Tommy Paul. The semi-final clash between Djokovic and Shelton is going to be watch-worthy and is definitely one to look out for.

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