Novak Djokovic inflicts new blow on Roger Federer in historic feat at US Open

Novak Djokovic continues to break new ground in tennis, breaking Roger Federer's record for most appearance in grand slam semi-finals. The 23-time grand slam champion advanced to the 13th US Open semi-final of his career on Wednesday after dispatching Taylor Fritz 6-1 6-4 6-4.

In doing so he advanced to the semi-finals of a grand slam for the 47th time in his career - breaking the record of 46 previously held by Federer. Not too long ago it was hard to decide who was the greatest male player of all time, but Djokovic continues to show why there's no real debate.

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As well as holding the most grand slam titles in men's tennis (23 compared to Federer's 20), Djokovic also recently broke Federer's record for most weeks as World No.1. Wednesday's historic feat will be another dagger in the argument that Federer is the greatest.

Djokovic is a red-hot chance to claim his 24th grand slam title at Flushing Meadows - which would tie Margaret Court's all-time for men and women. In beating Fritz, he also improved his record against American opponents at the US Open to a perfect 12-0.

Despite dispatching the local hope, Djokovic appeared to get the crowd on his side when he belted out a rendition of the Beastie Boys' 'Fight for Your Right' in his on-court interview with Rennae Stubbs. "It's expected of course that people are backing the home player and there is nothing wrong with that," he said.

"I actually like the energy, like the atmosphere on centre court here. Day sessions, night sessions, people are getting into it. I'm fine with that. I thrive on that energy and try to use it as a fuel. I've been playing on this court for so many years, so many epic matches, I can't wait for another one in a few days time."

Novak Djokovic advances to 13th US Open semi-final

Djokovic will face another American in the semis, with compatriots Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton facing off in the quarter-finals. "I have played this sport for many years, so many epic matches and I cannot wait for another one in a few days' time," said Djokovic.

"It is a huge opportunity every time I step out on the court at this stage of my life. I don't know how many more opportunities I will get so I am trying to enjoy it as much as I can."

Fritz will be kicking himself after the 25-year-old only managed to convert two of the 12 break chances he received. The American committed 51 unforced errors, almost double Djokovic's tally of 26.

Fritz is now 0-8 in his career against Djokovic and has never beaten a top-10 player at a grand slam. He came into the clash as the only player in the tournament not to drop a set, having been broken just once in 50 service games.

But Djokovic wasted little time in ending both of those streaks, breaking Fritz three times as he claimed the first set. Fritz managed to offer a little more resistance in the third set, but Djokovic broke at 5-4 and then held serve to improve to 13-0 in US Open quarter-finals.

with AAP

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