US Open 2021 Semi-Final: Novak Djokovic beats Alexander Zverev; ties Roger Federer's record

Novak Djokovic advanced to the US Open final with a dramatic victory against Alexander Zverev on Friday.

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Alexander-Zverev Novak-Djokovic Daniil-Medvedev

After overcoming Tokyo Olympic winner Alexander Zverev in the US Open semi-finals on Friday, Novak Djokovic will face Daniil Medvedev in a bid to clinch the first men's singles calendar-year Grand Slam since 1969. Djokovic defeated the German fourth seed 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 to go to Sunday's championship match against Russian second seed Medvedev at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Djokovic stated, "I'm going to treat the next match like it's the last match of my career." If he wins one more match, the 34-year-old Serbian start the first calendar-year Grand Slam since Rod Laver did it 52 years ago.


"There is only one more match to be played. I'm all in. "According to Djokovic. "I'm going to put my whole heart, soul, body, and mind into that one."


Djokovic is aiming for his fourth US Open championship and 21st Grand Slam trophy, which would put him one above of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who are both out due to injury.

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Djokovic remarked, "These are the moments we live for." "These are the kinds of once-in-a-lifetime moments we fantasise about when we're seeking for inspiration."

Djokovic took a measure of revenge for Zverev, 24, beating him in an Olympic semi-final, denying Djokovic's bid for a "Golden Slam" with his victory. Laver, 83, was in the stands to watch as Djokovic took a measure of revenge for Zverev, 24, beating him in an Olympic semi-final, denying Djokovic's bid for a "Golden Slam" with his victory.

"I knew it was going to be a terrific struggle as soon as I stepped on the floor," Djokovic remarked. "Alexander is a formidable opponent. On and off the court, he's someone I adore."

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Medvedev, the runner-up at the 2019 US Open, beat Canadian 12th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 to reach his third Slam final.
"I didn't believe I played my best today," Medvedev said, "but I'm extremely thrilled to be in the final."

Djokovic is the oldest US Open finalist since Andre Agassi in 2005, when he was 35, and he has a chance to become the oldest US Open champion since Ken Rosewall in 1970, when he was 35.

Djokovic tied Federer's record of 31 men's Slam final appearances after defeating Zverev. In major finals, Djokovic is 20-10.
The final is a rematch of the Australian Open final, which Djokovic won in straight sets in February. In their all-time battle, Medvedev is down 5-3 against Djokovic.

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