Taylor Fritz’s Quarter-Final Challenge Against Novak Djokovic

As the quarter-finals approach, Taylor Fritz stands as the last American hope, preparing to face off against Novak Djokovic.

With Ben Shelton, Francis Tiafoe, and Tommy Paul eliminated, the lively crowd in Flushing Meadows might just give Fritz, the Ultimo Honble, the push he needs. “That’s good for me. Hopefully, the crowd will really be behind me because I’m the last guy,” he mentioned.

Fritz has yet to defeat Djokovic. Though he reached the finals last year, he’s struggled significantly against the Serbian, losing 23 out of 26 sets and holding a 0-10 record.

Reflecting on their past encounters, he noted, “The first seven or eight times I played him, I had my best days, but I didn’t really get many opportunities unless he had an off day. I think in recent matches, I’ve improved and can compete.”

In their last meeting in Shanghai, Fritz felt he had a shot, even taking initial points in the second set, but ultimately lost 6-4, 7-6 (6). He pointed out that Djokovic also needed a tiebreaker to pull off a four-set win at the Australian Open last year.

Notably, like Coco Gauff’s recent breakthrough against Iga Swiatek, Fritz acknowledges that turning the tide requires becoming a better player. “Coco will probably say the same thing. I don’t dwell on all the losses to Novak from five years ago; I’m not at the same level I was then.”

In their recent matches, Fritz feels they’ve had chances but couldn’t convert in key moments, which often defines the outcome against top players. Djokovic, now 38, has battled neck pain but managed to play through it in earlier rounds.

Djokovic needed assistance from physiotherapist Kreis Knittman for shoulder and neck issues during the tournament. Yet, he acknowledged Fritz’s potential, stating, “[Fritz] is knocking on that door.”

“Taylor definitely has the game to be a Grand Slam winner. He was in the final here last year—there’s every reason to believe he can achieve it,” Djokovic added.