A STEP AWAY FROM GLORY

Djokovic defeats Zverev, sets up US Open summit clash with Medvedev

World No.1 Novak Djokovic is a win away from one of the highest achievements across sports – a calendar Grand Slam in tennis – as he overcame German Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 in the US Open men’s semi-finals here on Friday.

Djokovic of Serbia moved within one victory of reaching a men’s record 21 Grand Slam titles and avenged his loss to Zverev at the Tokyo Olympics in front of a roaring crowd inside the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Currently in a three-way battle with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the most men’s major titles at 20 apiece, Djokovic will get past his rivals in the number of Grand Slam trophies if he wins on Sunday.

“There is only one match left. Let us do it,” said Djokovic. “I am going to put my heart, my soul, my body and my head into that one. I am going to treat the next match like it is the last one of my career,” added Djokovic after the last-four contest.

The 34-year-old will face Daniil Medvedev of Russia in the summit clash after the World No.2 defeated Canadian Felix Auger Aliassime 6-4, 7-5, 6-2. Djokovic handed the fourth-seeded German his first break with a double fault in the first set but otherwise showed no mercy, firing off 41 winners and a dozen aces across the match. The third set was a matter of survival of the fittest. Djokovic had a 40-0 head start in the tenth game only to see Zverev fend off two break points through marathon rallies, including a 53-shot exchange. But, he eventually broke the German’s serve for the set point.

Tied at two sets apiece, Djokovic won a 30-shot rally for the early break in the decider. But after fending off four break points, he saw Zverev convert in the seventh game. Djokovic immediately broke Zverev’s serve in the next game before hoisting his arms aloft to wild cheers from the New York crowd.

The evening was yet another disappointment for Zverev, who must once again walk away empty-handed.

Results: Men’s singles: Semi-finals: Novak Djokovic beat Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2; Felix Auger Aliassime lost to Daniil Medvedev 4-6, 5-7, 2-6

I am going to put my heart, my soul, my body and my head into the final. I am going to treat the next match like it is the last one of my career Novak Djokovic, 20-time Grand Slam champion