SUMMARY
- Novak Djokovic took on Taylor Fritz in an exciting quarterfinal match.
- The match saw the players battle with the heat and nature's call.
As the business end of the Australian Open approaches, things are heating up in Melbourne. No, it was not just for the scintillating tennis on display when Novak Djokovic took on Taylor Fritz.
Djokovic is one of the favorites to win the title this year. He kicked off his campaign looking a little rusty, but he found his rhythm just in the nick of time. As he made his way through the rounds, Djokovic looked as menacing as ever. It was on display again when he took on Fritz for a spot in the semifinals.
It was not an easy match by any means, as the Serb had to navigate not only a tricky opponent but the weather too. With his match scheduled during the day session, Djokovic felt the full force of the Australian summer.
Novak Djokovic is upset with his team at the changeover.
He was having a hard time getting their attention.
Patrick McEnroe commentating: “You had one job!” 😂
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 23, 2024
Novak and Taylor went toe-to-toe in the first set, with neither sparing the other an inch. The heat took a lot out of the players. During a particularly difficult passage of play, Djokovic blew up at his team when he could not get their attention. He tried waving at them, but nobody noticed the player waving his hands, trying to catch their eye.
The difficulties in the searing heat did not stop there for either player. Fritz dashed off to the loo after claiming the second set against the Serb. Djokovic used the extended break between sets well. He rubbed a pack of ice on his head and mixed a salty drink to replenish himself.
In another bizarre instance, he complained to the umpire about the lights in the arena. He asked the official if it was necessary to have the lights on so brightly.
Despite the horrible heat, Novak Djokovic managed to keep a cool head against a feisty Fritz. It turned out to be a nailbiter, but Novak relied on his experience to walk away victorious.
Novak Djokovic vs. Taylor Fritz, Australian Open quarterfinals
The quarterfinal clash between Novak and Taylor lived up to expectations. Fritz was a worthy competitor, and it took Djokovic over two hours to crack him. Novak is eyeing the silverware at Melbourne Park for the record 11th time this year, and he seems well on his way too. With his semifinal berth confirmed, Novak is just two victories away from creating history.
The very first game of the match gave a taste of what lay ahead, as Taylor managed to save 15 break points. With each player giving as good as they got, the first set went into a tiebreak, one that Novak won easily.
🤯
Novak Djokovic has had 15 break point opportunities. Taylor has saved 15 break points.#AusOpen • #AO2024 https://t.co/7MNDWHx3Tt pic.twitter.com/ZYu6Bk6FN1
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2024
Taylor leveled things up in the second set, as many smelled an upset on the cards. However, Novak, as cool as ever, managed to wear down Fritz.
The Serb went on the offensive, as signs of fatigue kicked in for Fritz. There was no stopping Novak from there on, and he eventually defeated Taylor 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.
Novak Djokovic. AO semifinalist for the 11th time 💫@DjokerNole • #AusOpen • #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/OOc4FCQ3CM
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 23, 2024
Melbourne Park is Novak Djokovic’s favorite hunting ground. He is through to the semifinals for the 11th time, and he will face the winner of the match between Andrey Rublev and Jannik Sinner next.