Novak Djokovic Battles Hostile US Open Crowd to Defeat Taylor Fritz in Quarterfinals
New York, NY, September 3, 2025 — Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, overcame both a formidable opponent and a raucous Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd to secure a 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 victory over American Taylor Fritz in the US Open quarterfinals on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. The win, which extended Djokovic’s perfect 11-0 record against Fritz, propelled him to a record-tying 14th US Open semifinal and a record-extending 53rd Grand Slam semifinal. However, the match was marked by heated exchanges between Djokovic and the crowd, highlighting tensions that peaked during a critical third set.
A Clash with the Crowd
Djokovic, known for thriving under pressure, faced a partisan crowd vocally supporting Fritz, the last American man in the tournament. The atmosphere turned particularly contentious in the third set, as fans cheered Djokovic’s faults and chanted “Let’s go Taylor!” between points, disrupting his serve. Visibly frustrated, Djokovic confronted chair umpire Damien Dumusois, demanding action and sarcastically repeating the umpire’s pleas for calm—“Thank you, please”—to no avail. The umpire’s blunt response, “It’s not gonna help, Novak,” drew further ire, but Djokovic channeled the hostility into focus, ultimately clinching the match.
“It was an incredibly close match,” Djokovic said post-match, acknowledging the crowd’s impact. “For most of the second and third sets, [Fritz] was the better player. That last game was nerve-wracking.” He added, “I’m really proud of the fight that I put in. I wear my heart on my sleeve, always, for this sport.”
Djokovic’s interactions with the crowd weren’t entirely adversarial. After securing the second set, he blew kisses to the stands, a gesture some interpreted as playful defiance, while others saw it as an attempt to engage supporters. Earlier in the match, he celebrated a 25-shot rally with a crowd stare-down and an exaggerated bow, further fueling the electric atmosphere.
A Hard-Fought Victory
The three-hour, 24-minute battle showcased Djokovic’s trademark resilience. Despite Fritz’s 13 break-point opportunities, Djokovic saved 11, including five in a single game while serving for the first set. Fritz, the No. 4 seed and 2024 US Open finalist, briefly shifted momentum by breaking Djokovic’s serve in the third set, capitalizing on the crowd’s energy to win it 6-3. However, a critical double fault by Fritz on Djokovic’s third match point in the fourth set sealed the American’s fate, ending his hopes of reaching a second consecutive US Open semifinal.
Fritz, reflecting on the loss, expressed frustration over missed opportunities. “I had so many chances… I was in points at Love-30, 15-30, 30-All. I was just converting and playing these points really poorly,” he said. “It’s pretty embarrassing the amount of times that I was sitting on [Djokovic’s second serve], waiting for it, and still missed the return.”
Context and Challenges
The match, played under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, was Djokovic’s toughest test of the tournament. Despite physical concerns earlier in the US Open, including a toe blister, back tweak, and shoulder treatment, the 38-year-old displayed remarkable endurance. His victory over Fritz, 11 years his junior, marked him as the oldest man to reach the US Open quarterfinals since Jimmy Connors in 1991 and reinforced his 16-0 record against Americans at Flushing Meadows.
Fritz, buoyed by the home crowd, had hoped to end his 0-10 drought against Djokovic. “Hopefully, the crowd is really going to get behind me now because I am the last guy,” he said after his fourth-round win. Yet, despite a stronger serve in the later sets and moments of brilliance, including a forehand winner to break Djokovic in the third, Fritz couldn’t overcome the Serbian’s clutch play.
A Blockbuster Semifinal Awaits
Djokovic’s win sets up a highly anticipated semifinal clash with No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz on Friday, September 5, 2025. Djokovic leads their head-to-head 5-3, including victories in the 2025 Australian Open quarterfinals and the 2024 Paris Olympics final. Alcaraz, who has yet to drop a set in this tournament, presents a formidable challenge as Djokovic pursues a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.
A Personal Touch
In a heartwarming moment, Djokovic celebrated his victory with a viral “Soda Pop” K-pop dance, dedicated to his daughter Tara on her eighth birthday. “For Tara,” he posted on X, sharing a clip of the dance that resonated with fans worldwide.
Looking Ahead
Djokovic’s ability to navigate both Fritz’s aggressive play and the hostile crowd underscores his mental fortitude as he continues his quest for history. With the US men’s title drought extending to 22 years since Andy Roddick’s 2003 triumph, and Djokovic now 21-0 against Americans in Grand Slam events, his dominance remains unmatched. As he prepares for Alcaraz, the tennis world awaits another chapter in Djokovic’s storied career.
For more information, contact the US Open Media Office at media@usopen.org or visit www.usopen.org.