Djokovic and Alcaraz reach semi-final whereas Rublev, Zverev make an exit: 2023 US Open Men’s QF Roundup

The 2023 edition of the US Open has reached towards the end with some big names making it to the semi-finals once again. World number 2 Novak Djokovic was the first one to reach the semi-final whereas current Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz is also through to the semis. Daniil Medvedev and Ben Shelton are the other two who will join them in this race.

Though it was quite predictable to have Alcaraz, Djokovic and Medvedev in the semis, the inclusion of Ben Shelton as the fourth player surprised everyone. It will be his first-ever semi-final where he can be dangerous with the way he is performing right now.

Here are the highlights of the Men’s quarter-final matches:

QF 1: Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

One of the best in the business, Novak Djokovic defeated the ninth seed Taylor Fritz 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 in the quarter-finals to reach the semis. With this win, he is now eyeing his 24th Grand Slam title but that is not going to be easy with some big guns competing for the same.

Novak Djokovic celebrating after his victory against Taylor Fritz in the US Open quarter-final

The quarter-final was an easy task for the Serbian as he managed to win all three sets quite comfortably. The Serb broke Fritz three times and easily claimed the first set with an ace, however, the American player tried his level best in the next two but couldn’t succeed.

Djokovic took two hours and 35 minutes to get the better of Fritz and he surpassed Swiss maestro Roger Federer’s all-time men’s Major semi-final record of 46 with this victory. The victory helped the Serbian champion become the first man ever to claim 250 career wins.

On the other hand, Taylor Fritz impressed everyone in front of his home crowd as he entered the quarters as the only player at the tournament this year to not drop a set and broken only once in 50 service games. However, all these records were broken by the Serbian quite quickly.

Now, Djokovic will take on Ben Shelton in the semi-final, who also reached the semis for the very first time in his career. It would be interesting to see how he would tackle Djokovic at a bigger level.

QF2: Daniil Medvedev v Andrey Rublev

World number three Daniil Medvedev has reached the semi-finals at the Flushing Meadows this year after his victory over Andrey Rublev in straight sets 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. With this win, he is now just two steps away from securing his second US Open title, however, with Djokovic right up there at his best, it would not be easy for him.

The world number three has played significantly and defeated some big names in the tournament including Alex de Minaur and Andrey Rublev. His quarter-final win against Rublev was a great sign of his temperament that will help him play the same way going forward.

Andrey Rublev started the game on a terrific note after winning the first three games, however, Medvedev made a spectacular comeback and won the set by 6-4. The world number eight didn’t lose hope and once again took a lead in the second set but it was all about Medvedev’s class that kept Rublev out of the competition.

Now, the Russian tennis giant will take on the world number one Carlos Alcaraz. This is going to be a classic one with both of them capable of winning. If Medvedev can overcome this challenge, then he might be playing Djokovic in the final which is yet another dream game.

QF 3: Frances Tiafoe v Ben Shelton

It was an all-American US Open quarter-final where the young Ben Shelton got the better of tenth-seeded Frances Tiafoe by 6-2, 3-6, 7-6, 6-2. With this victory, he has reached the semis for the very first time in his career. With 14 aces throughout the game, Shelton was in complete control, however, he produced 11 double faults which was quite high.

Ben Shelton defeated Frances Tiafoe in an all-American match at the 2023 US Open

On the other hand, Tiafoe made a good comeback in the second set and almost won the third one as well but a couple of unforced errors gave Shelton the momentum he was looking for. The tenth-seeded player then lost the fourth set and made an exit from the tournament.

Now, Shelton would be hoping to play a similar power game against one of the best players in the history of tennis, Novak Djokovic. The Serbian is in tremendous touch right now but the young gun has all the ability to make Saturday a historic one for the Americans.

QF 4: Carlos Alcaraz v Alexander Zverev

World number one Carlos Alcaraz played exceptionally well against Alexander Zverev as he won the match by 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in straight sets. The Spaniard will be looking to defend his title and will focus on winning his third Major after his remarkable Wimbledon victory earlier this year.

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Talking about this game, Alcaraz played it quite safe as he only produced three double faults and three aces. On the other hand, Zverev tried his best to conquer but remained unsuccessful till the completion.

Now, the player from Spain would be looking to outclass the Russian star Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals. Though it is going to be quite challenging for him, he has all the ability and confidence to achieve that.