Djoker, Japan’s day
Novak nails Federer slayer; Nishikori, Osaka in US semis
New York, Sept. 6: Twotime champion Novak Djokovic ended John Millman’s fairytale US Open run on Wednesday, beating the 55th- ranked Australian in straight sets to book a semifinal clash with Kei Nishikori.
The Serbian star, who ended a 54- week title drought with his 13th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, defeated the tenacious Aussie 6- 3, 6- 4, 64 to reach his 11th US Open semi- final in his last 11 appearances.
He lifted the trophy in
2011 and 2015.
Nishikori, the 21st seed, advanced with a 2- 6, 6- 4, 7- 6 ( 7/ 5), 4- 6, 6- 4 victory over Marin Cilic — the man who beat him in the 2014 final.
Millman, who stunned five- time champion Roger Federer in the fourth round, kept Djokovic running — and was kept running himself — for 2 hours 49 minutes on another hot, humid night on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“You survive on the court then thrive with a win,” said Djokovic, who converted just four of his 20 break points and made 53 unforced errors before he was finally able to accomplish what Federer couldn’t in seeing off Millman.
“Very tested,” said Djokovic, who admitted that like many he was surprised to find himself facing Millman, not Federer, across the net.
It was clear that it could be a long night when the players battled for more than 15 minutes in the sixth game of the opening set, Millman saving four break points.
The Aussie saved another four in the opening game of the second set and as the duel continued both players were clearly feeling the effects of long, entertaining rallies.
Millman, his clothes soaked, made the unorthodox request to go change after the fourth game of the second set — Djokovic agreeing.
“He was apologising he felt very sorry that he has to leave the court and change. I said, ‘ Man, go ahead.’ “I needed that rest,” said Djokovic, who finally gained the decisive break in the penultimate game of the final set then served it out at love.
“I gave it a crack,” said Millman.