At the US Open on Tuesday, Novak Djokovic overcame Taylor Fritz and the heat to increase his winning run over Americans to 30. Following his victory at the U.S. Open on Tuesday, Djokovic let out some steam by belting out a classic Beastie Boys song, and the soon-to-be No.1 seed claimed he was trying to enjoy himself while playing.
At Arthur Ashe Stadium, the 36-year-old defeated American Taylor Fritz 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 to advance to a record-tying 47th major semifinal. Before serving for the match, he had heard the 1986 smash while listening to the DJ’s playlist at the venue.
NOVAK SAYS YOU GOTTA FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT TO PARRRRRTY.
Novak goes @tkelce on us. pic.twitter.com/IVXtD18Og4
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2023
In his post-match interview, Djokovic, who appeared more at ease, sang the song ‘(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party),’ to which audience members sang along. “Difficult to play. Not easy, but as the song went five minutes ago, you gotta to fight, for your right, to party.” He said to Ranee Stubbs. Fans reacted on social media by calling him cringe. One user, bob d @rdelgado, commented “Great Tennis Player but Cringy” on X.
His desperate attempts at gaining fans is laughably cringe every match.
— Gamuel Sriffin (@S__G__25) September 5, 2023
While another user commended Novak for being himself, they posted:
Haha funny to see how some just can’t take it! He’s funny, he’s different, he’s authentic and does’t give a crap on anybody’s opinion! Well done Novak! Be yourself, who cares if they like it or not!
— Christache (@Cristin75773247) September 5, 2023
As a hip-hop group from New York, where all of the US Open matches are held, the Beastie Boys and the song is quite pertinent to the crowd at the arena. Djokovic certainly did channel the energy and essence of the song in his match as he did not let Taylor win a single set.
Novak Djokovic expects a great battle from Ben Shelton
Ben Shelton, who will play against Novak Djokovic in the US Open semifinals, will present a fresh challenge. The 20-year-old Florida wonder easily defeated Frances Tiafoe in an all-American quarterfinal. Following their victories on Arthur Ashe on Tuesday, Novak Djokovic and American phenom Ben Shelton will meet for the very first time ever in the US Open quarterfinals.
Djokovic applauded Ben for coming from college tennis and now laying the sport at the highest level. “I think it’s a great message for all the players who want to go to college but then still keep on playing professionally.” He said.
Ben Shelton will face Novak Djokovic for a spot in the US Open final! pic.twitter.com/4GwbTF21Lk
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2023
He went on to reveal how he loves playing against home players, in fact, he loves playing in that energy and environment. Nole claimed he thrives on the energy and uses it as fuel to play better and stay motivated. Ben Shelton, who is only 20 years old, is brand-new to the world of professional tennis. However, he has a serve that is quite strong and lethal.
When asked if he knew who he would face next, Shelton grinned and replied, “He’s won maybe 23 of these? Something like that?” He said, referring to Nole. “It doesn’t get much better than that,” Shelton concluded.
While Novak is looking forward to winning his 24th grand slam, homeboy Ben is just fresh out of the oven. Ben is the underdog in this semifinal match; however, the odds are certainly in the Serb’s favor.