US Open 2023 Highlights: Novak Djokovic beats Taylor Fritz in straight sets, through to semifinals

Welcome to the Khel Now's live blog for the Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz men's singles quarterfinals match in US Open 2023.

The US Open 2023, the year's fourth and final Grand Slam, is reaching the business end. Serbia's 23-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic is set to take on home favourite Taylor Fritz for a place in the semi-finals of the men's singles at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre, New York.

The 36-year-old, who is looking for a record-tying 24th Grand Slam championships, showed no mercy in the pre-quarterfinals encounter against Borna Gojo (6-2, 7-5, 6-4) recording an easy three sets victory at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Earlier in the third round, the Serb made a spectacular comeback from two sets down to overcome countryman Laslo Djere in five sets on Friday (September 1st).

On the other hand, America's, Taylor Fritz progressed to the US Open quarterfinals on Sunday night after winning his fourth straight match in straight sets. The ninth seed defeated Next Gen ATP finalist Dominic Stricker 7-6 (2), 6-4, 6-4 to reach the final eight for the first time in the tournament.

Preview 

Djokovic, who is regarded as one of the all-time greats, is aiming for a record-breaking 24th Grand Slam in New York. He recently triumphed at the Cincinnati Masters, beating World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the final. In the third round of the US Open, Djokovic defeated fellow countryman Laslo Djere, which proved to be one his the "toughest match" of his career and he won in a five-set thriller. 

Meanwhile, Taylor Fritz, World No. 9 defeated Swiss player Dominic Stephan Stricker in the round of 16 after getting past Czech player Jakub Mensik in the third round. The No. 1 American player has four wins without dropping a set.

Head-to-Head

Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz have met each other seven times at ATP Tour-level events however, the American has never been able to grab a win against the World No. 2. The Serbian leads the head-to-head 7-0.

Their most recent meeting was in the quarterfinals of the Cincinnati Open, where the 23-times Grand Slam champion won the match in straight sets.