Djoko writes another record with sweep of Struff

Novak Djokovic added another line to his list of records with a decisive 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 sweep of Jan-Lennard Struff which put the 38-year-old into another quarter-final at the US Open.

The Serb becomes the oldest man to book the last eight at all four of the majors in a single season as he polished off his German opponent in under two hours to end a six-match win streak for the European.

Djokovic will play for his fourth Grand Slam semi-final of the season when he takes on fourth seed Taylor Fritz, who beat Czech Tomas Machac 6-4, 6-3, 6-3.

Djokovic boasts a perfect 10-0 record over Californian Fritz, with all of their matches played either at the Grand Slams or Masters events, including a 2023 quarter-final here.

.”I expect players who have never won against me to come out on the court and try something different and try to make me feel maybe uncomfortable and play more aggressive or not, whatever,” Djokovic said of the 2024 finalist here.

“I don’t think there’s going to be any major changes with Taylor: you obviously you stick to the kind of a game plan that got you to the quarters.

“You know what your strengths are. You stick to those weapons in your game, which for him obviously is serve and forehand.”

Even as he prepares for the quarter-finals after not playing a match since Wimbledon, Djokovic is wary of eyeing further success.

.”It’s still a very long way. (In the) last couple of years, I learned (that) one thing right now is to take really one match at a time. 

“Of course I’m dreaming about winning another Slam, and it would beamazing if I do it here.

“ButI can’t allow myself to go that far with my thinking – I just need to focus on what needs to be done to win a match, next match, next challenge.

“The last Grand Slam I won was here actually two years ago. So it would be a nice kind of journey of years to kind of close the circle here again.”

By booking his 14th career New York quarter-final, Djokovic pulled ahead of Roger Federer and Andre Agassi, on 13 appearances. 

In the women’s draw, former Wimbledon winner Barbora Krejcikova saved eight match points against Taylor Townsend in the second set, hanging on to impose a 1-6, 7-6 (13), 6-3 win into the quarters.

Top seeded holder Aryna Sabalenka defeated Cristina Bucsa 6-2, 6-4 in 73 minutes, ensuring that she will remain world No. 1 no matter the final outcome of the tournament.

“I’m enjoying being world No. 1. I’m enjoying this pressure,” she said. “I’m working really hard to be where I am. 

“For me it’s important to focus on my game and on bringing, try to bring
my best tennis and just to fight. I know I’ll have my chances, but for me, it’s a fun life if you’re really enjoying your job.”

The top seed who has now earned 98 wins at the majors will next face Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova, who beata Elena Rybakina 6-4, 5-7, 6-2.

Main photo:- Novak Djokovic sets another majors record – by Mark Greenwood/Grandslamtennis