Novak Djokovic put on a masterful performance against the big-serving Ben Shelton, allowing only five aces and breaking him five times. The 36-year-old Serbian tennis legend secured his spot in the US Open final, marking his record-tying 10th appearance in this prestigious event and his 36th appearance in a Grand Slam final across all tournaments.
Djokovic, with his 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (4) victory, not only showcased his exceptional skills but also delivered a subtle message by playfully mimicking Shelton’s signature “Hang up the phone!” celebration gesture.
After sealing his victory, Djokovic gestured to his temple and pounded his chest, showing that he still possesses the mental and physical strength needed to excel in the sport. It’s worth noting that Djokovic’s triumph comes after he couldn’t participate in the US Open the previous year due to his unvaccinated status concerning COVID-19.
Now, he stands just one victory away from claiming his fourth title at Flushing Meadows and his 24th Grand Slam championship overall.
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Djokovic, with his remarkable performance, emphasized his enduring passion for the game, stating, “These are the kind of matches and occasions that I still thrive on. They still get me going and inspire me to wake up and work hard like the young guys.” If he secures the championship, Djokovic would become the oldest man to win the US Open in the professional era that began in 1968.
In the final, Djokovic will face a familiar opponent, Daniil Medvedev, who ended Carlos Alcaraz’s reign as the Open champion with a hard-fought victory in the second semifinal. Medvedev, seeded third, claimed his lone major title at Flushing Meadows in 2021 by defeating Djokovic in the final, preventing Djokovic from achieving a calendar-year Grand Slam, a feat not seen in men’s tennis since 1969.
Medvedev acknowledges the challenge he faces, saying, “The challenge is that you play a guy that won 23 Grand Slams, and I have only one. When I beat him here, I managed to play better than myself, so I need to do it again. There is no other way.”
In the first semifinal, Ben Shelton provided some excitement by raising his level of play in the third set, breaking Djokovic twice and even holding a set point at 5-4. The fans were thrilled, and Shelton described the atmosphere as “really loud.” However, Djokovic’s composure and experience ultimately prevailed, leading him to victory in the tiebreaker.
As Djokovic looks ahead to the final, he anticipates a challenging match, stating, “Of course, I expect the toughest match of the tournament for me, regardless of who’s going to be across the net.”
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In the other semifinal, Medvedev demonstrated his prowess by winning the first-set tiebreak and cruising through the second set with an unstoppable serve. He excelled at saving break points and dominating short exchanges, positioning himself for a rematch with Djokovic in the final.
If Djokovic clinches the championship this time, he would break the tie with Serena Williams for the most major singles championships in the Open era. Djokovic, seeded No. 2 at the U.S. Open, is set to replace Alcaraz as No. 1 next week, regardless of the outcome on Sunday. This upcoming final promises to be a historic battle, as Djokovic seeks to add another remarkable achievement to his illustrious career.
