Wed Sep 03 03:40:00 UTC 2025: **Djokovic Downs Fritz, Extends American Men’s U.S. Open Drought, and Sets Up Alcaraz Semifinal Showdown**
**NEW YORK** – Novak Djokovic defeated Taylor Fritz in a hard-fought four-set match (6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4) at the U.S. Open, ending American hopes for a men’s singles title after a 22-year drought. Fritz, the last American man standing in the tournament, showed resilience after a sluggish start, but ultimately fell to Djokovic’s relentless play and clutch serving.
Djokovic, securing his 53rd Grand Slam semifinal appearance, will now face defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a highly anticipated matchup.
Earlier in the day, Jessica Pegula advanced to the semifinals with a straight-sets victory. However, Markéta Vondroušová withdrew from her quarterfinal match against Aryna Sabalenka due to a knee injury, granting Sabalenka a walkover. Veteran Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez’s doubles campaign ended in a straight-sets defeat against the top-seeded duo of Taylor Townsend and Kateřina Siniaková.
Djokovic acknowledged the difficulty of the match, praising his own fighting spirit in the crucial moments. Fritz’s improved performance, particularly in the third set, gave the crowd a glimmer of hope, but Djokovic’s experience and strong serving ultimately proved too much.
First Piper 