Top-ranked Novak Djokovic, sailed into the semi-final at the US Open 2021. He remains undefeated in best-of-five matches this year long form play, and on Wednesday night at the Arthur Ashe Stadium Djokovic defeated the sixth-seeded Matteo Berrettini, 5-7, 6-2, 6-2, 6-3.
Djokovic’s first set against Berrettini was the third straight time he had lost the opening game, and also his most exhausting set of the tournament. But then the experienced player he is Djokovic turned the match in his favor, thrilling the crowd.
Djokovic defeats Berrettini to sail into semi-finals of US Open 2021
The first game lasted for 14 points; the sixth game needed 20 points. Though Djokovic was broken in the 11th game on a forehand passing shot winner by Berrettini and lost the set soon after, it was Berrettini who needed to leave the court to change out of his sweat-soaked attire just an hour and 17 minutes into the match.
Djokovic downs Berrettini in a hard fought 4 set duel
Now Djokovic has is one step closer to the Grand Slam, and a record 21st career major singles title.
After the win Novak said on his on-court interview “I was locked in, really, from the beginning of the second set,” He added “I took my tennis to a different level. This has been the best three sets I’ve played so far in the tournament, for sure.”
He will play his semifinal match against Alexander Zverev.