By Ben Phillips
Djokovic Outlasts Fritz in a Gutsy Four-Set Battle
At 38 years old, Novak Djokovic continues to redefine what longevity looks like in tennis. The seven-time US Open champion produced another gutsy, courageous performance to overcome last year’s finalist Taylor Fritz 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4.
Djokovic started the match with his trademark intensity, striking cleanly from the baseline and immediately putting pressure on the Fritz serve. He broke early in the opening set and never looked back, controlling rallies with his precise groundstrokes and turning defence into attack in a way only he can. The second set was tighter, but a timely break at 5-5 shifted the momentum decisively in the Serb’s favour.
Fritz, who had been striking the ball well all fortnight, responded with determination in the third, playing one of his best sets of the tournament to reduce the deficit. But Djokovic, as he has done countless times across his illustrious career, found another gear in the fourth. After weathering a series of big serves from the American, he closed the match out in style, though not without a stroke of drama. Fritz double-faulted on match point, a bitter end to what had been a spirited effort.
It was another reminder that Djokovic, even at this stage of his career, remains one of the most formidable opponents on tour. His ability to adapt, dig deep, and produce brilliance under pressure is unmatched. He now advances to face reigning French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz in what promises to be a blockbuster semi-final.
Alcaraz Cruises Past Lehechka to Reach the Last Four
Carlos Alcaraz has been in devastating form at this year’s US Open, and his quarterfinal win over Jiri Lehechka was yet another example of his ruthless efficiency. The Spaniard, who has not dropped a set all tournament, defeated the Czech 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 to book a place in the semi-final, where he will meet Djokovic.
From the outset, Alcaraz took control of the rallies, dictating with his forehand and varying the pace to keep Lehechka off balance. The Czech, who has enjoyed a strong run in New York, fought hard in the opening set but was unable to match the Spaniard’s consistency and shot-making ability. A single break was all Alcaraz needed to move ahead.
The second set was Alcaraz at his dazzling best. He produced jaw-dropping defence, lightning-quick transitions, and clever changes of spin and trajectory that left Lehechka looking increasingly frustrated. By the time Alcaraz broke twice to claim the set, the match had tilted firmly in his direction.
Lehechka tried to mount a response in the third, serving bigger and going for his shots, but Alcaraz refused to give him a foothold. Every time the Czech threatened, the Spaniard came up with an answer, whether a booming ace, a delicate drop shot, or a blistering backhand down the line. In just over two hours, the contest was finished, Alcaraz through without a scratch.
The reigning French Open champion has looked untouchable so far in New York. If he can maintain this level against Djokovic, he will have every chance of regaining the US Open crown. But history, and Djokovic’s resilience, mean the semi-final should be far from straightforward.
Pegula Powers into Another US Open Semi-Final
Jessica Pegula has quietly but convincingly established herself as one of the most consistent performers at the US Open in recent years, and her quarterfinal victory over Barbora Krejcikova was another statement win. The American, seeded fourth, triumphed 6-3, 6-3 to advance to her second consecutive semi-final at Flushing Meadows.
Pegula’s performance was built around control and composure. Against an opponent as tactically astute as Krejcikova, she had to be proactive in dictating points while also neutralising the Czech’s net play. From the baseline, Pegula struck the ball cleanly, mixing deep, penetrating shots with smart angles that forced Krejcikova out of position.
The opening set was decided by a single break, with Pegula holding firm on her own serve and calmly fending off any break points she faced. In the second, she grew even more confident, taking advantage of Krejcikova’s dip in first-serve percentage and punishing short returns. The scoreboard may suggest a routine win, but Pegula’s consistency and ability to absorb pressure were the real keys.
The American crowd has embraced Pegula’s run once again, and with her blend of intelligence, timing, and quiet determination, she looks like a genuine contender for the title. Reaching another semi-final proves her success here last year was no fluke.
Her next challenge will be immense, however: a showdown with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Pegula will have to raise her game even further to pull off the upset, but her form at Flushing Meadows suggests she has the tools to make it competitive.
Sabalenka Advances After Vondrousova Withdrawal
Aryna Sabalenka’s route to the semi-finals was made easier when her scheduled opponent, Marketa Vondrousova, withdrew due to injury. The former Wimbledon champion had been carrying fitness concerns throughout the tournament, and despite her thrilling victory over Elena Rybakina in the Round of 16, the toll proved too much.
For Sabalenka, it is a bittersweet way to progress. On the one hand, she has more time to recover and prepare for her next challenge; on the other, it denies her the chance to sharpen her game against a top-tier opponent. Nevertheless, Sabalenka has been quick to show compassion, posting messages of support for Vondrousova on social media after what must have been a heartbreaking decision for the Czech.
This semi-final appearance further extends Sabalenka’s remarkable record at the majors over the last two seasons. Though her journey this fortnight has been less eventful than expected, she remains one of the favourites to lift the trophy. Her power improved mental resilience, and the ability to dominate from the first ball makes her a daunting prospect for anyone standing across the net.
Her meeting with Jessica Pegula promises to be one of the standout matches of the tournament. Pegula has the variety and patience to extend rallies, while Sabalenka will look to seize control with her heavy hitting. For both players, it represents a golden opportunity to reach the final in New York — and for Sabalenka, a chance to continue cementing her status as one of the defining forces of women’s tennis.
Felix Auger-Aliassime Wins a Quarterfinal Epic
Felix Auger-Aliassime produced one of the finest performances of his career to defeat Alex de Minaur 4-6, 7-6, 7-5, 7-6 in a gruelling quarterfinal that could have gone either way. The Canadian, who has had an up-and-down season, found his very best form when it mattered most, using his serve and forehand to overpower the relentless counterpunching of de Minaur.
De Minaur started brightly, breaking early to take the first set with his trademark speed and consistency. But Auger-Aliassime responded superbly, raising his aggression levels and striking winners off both wings. The second set came down to a tiebreak, where the Canadian held his nerve to level the contest.
In the third, the momentum shifted again. Both players held serve deep into the set, but it was Auger-Aliassime who pounced late, producing a brilliant return game to snatch it 7-5. The fourth was even more dramatic, with de Minaur refusing to fold and forcing another tiebreak. Once again, Auger-Aliassime’s serve came to the rescue, delivering clutch aces and allowing him to edge it 7-6.
The victory sends Auger-Aliassime into the semi-finals of a major for the first time since 2021, a moment that will feel like the reward for years of hard work and perseverance. For de Minaur, it is a tough loss after such a tight battle, but his run in New York underlined once more why he is one of the most difficult outs in the men’s game.
Auger-Aliassime will now prepare for a huge semi-final test, and on this evidence, he will be full of belief.
Sinner Powers Past Musetti in All-Italian Clash
Jannik Sinner showed once again why he is the world No. 1 and one of the most feared players in the game, producing a clinical performance to defeat compatriot Lorenzo Musetti 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 and reach the US Open semi-finals.
In what many billed as a potentially tricky all-Italian affair, Sinner left no room for doubt. He dominated the opening set with ease, striking his groundstrokes with impeccable timing and overwhelming Musetti’s stylish but inconsistent shotmaking. Sinner’s ability to take time away from his opponent and control the tempo of rallies proved decisive from the very first ball.
Musetti did raise his level in the second set, showcasing his trademark flair with beautiful one-handed backhands and occasional forays to the net. But every time he threatened, Sinner slammed the door shut with precision serving and relentless baseline pressure. A single break was enough for the top seed to double his lead.
The third set followed a familiar pattern: Sinner never relented, maintaining his focus and forcing Musetti into errors with his unrelenting depth. Within two hours, the match was complete, Sinner through with barely a scratch.
This victory sets up a fascinating semifinal against Felix Auger-Aliassime, who is also playing some of his best tennis after surviving a thriller against Alex de Minaur. Sinner’s consistency and composure will make him the favourite, but the Canadian’s power and confidence mean it could be a blockbuster clash.
Anisimova Stuns Swiatek in Performance of the Round
Amanda Anisimova produced one of the best wins of her career to shock world No. 2 Iga Swiatek 6-4, 6-3 in a quarterfinal performance that will live long in the memory. Just months after being on the wrong end of a 6-0, 6-0 drubbing in the Wimbledon final, the American showed remarkable resilience and character to turn the tables on the Pole in New York.
From the outset, Anisimova struck the ball with fearless aggression. She hammered forehands into the corners, attacked second serves, and refused to be dictated to by Swiatek’s heavy topspin game. The American crowd roared her on as she took the opening set 6-4, breaking at a crucial moment to gain control.
Swiatek, as always, fought valiantly. She raised her intensity in the second set, but Anisimova matched her stride for stride. Playing with calmness and clarity, Anisimova continued to step inside the baseline, taking the ball early and rushing the world No. 2. At 4-3 in the second, she delivered her most dominant return game of the match, breaking again before sealing victory with a nerveless hold.
This was redemption of the highest order. To go from humiliation on Centre Court at Wimbledon to dismantling Swiatek in straight sets at Flushing Meadows speaks volumes about Anisimova’s talent and mental strength. Her shot-making, composure, and aggression made her the clear choice for Performance of the Round.
With this win, she books a semi-final showdown against Naomi Osaka in what promises to be a blockbuster battle of two players who thrive on the biggest stages.
Osaka Extends Stay In New York
Naomi Osaka continued her remarkable run at this year’s US Open, defeating Karolina Muchova 6-4, 7-6 to advance to yet another semi-final in New York. The Japanese star, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has an extraordinary record of winning every major title she has reached the semi-final in, and this latest victory keeps that streak alive.
The match was a high-quality affair, with Muchova, a former Roland Garros finalist, showing her trademark variety and creativity. She pushed Osaka hard, particularly in the second set, where her slicing, drop shots, and intelligent net play disrupted the rhythm of the Japanese star. But Osaka’s big-match mentality and sheer ball-striking power ultimately proved too much.
The opening set was tight until Osaka produced a blistering return game to edge ahead 5-4, then sealed it with a thunderous serve. In the second, Muchova battled valiantly, forcing a tiebreak, but Osaka held her nerve and unleashed some of her very best hitting when it mattered most. A perfectly struck backhand winner closed the contest, much to the delight of the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.
Osaka’s return to the sharp end of major tournaments has been one of the stories of this year’s US Open. After a period of inconsistency and time away from the tour, she looks fully rejuvenated, with her focus, confidence, and devastating serve-and-forehand combination once again shining through.
Her semi-final against Amanda Anisimova promises to be an electrifying clash between two powerful, aggressive players. With her unbeaten record in Grand Slam semi-finals, Osaka will enter as the favourite. Still, Anisimova’s fearless performance against Swiatek shows she has what it takes to cause another upset.
Looking Ahead to the Semi-Finals
With the quarterfinals now complete, the stage is set for a blockbuster set of semi-finals at the 2025 US Open. On the men’s side, Novak Djokovic will meet Carlos Alcaraz in a rematch of their many epic encounters. The 38-year-old Serbian continues to defy time, but Alcaraz, who has yet to drop a set this fortnight, will enter as the man in form. In the other semi-final, Jannik Sinner faces Felix Auger-Aliassime. Sinner’s ruthless efficiency will be tested against the Canadian’s powerful, attacking game.
In the women’s draw, Naomi Osaka and Amanda Anisimova will meet in what promises to be a battle of firepower, both players thriving on big stages and capable of hitting opponents off the court. On the other side, Aryna Sabalenka faces Jessica Pegula, a meeting between the raw power of the second seed and the relentless consistency of an American who thrives at Flushing Meadows.
All four semi-finals are dripping with storylines, generational battles, redemption arcs, and the possibility of first-time champions or historic additions to already legendary careers. Tennis fans could not ask for more.
