Novak Djokovic sets up Taylor Fritz US Open quarter-final clash

Novak Djokovic hit top form at the US Open to set up a quarter-final clash with Taylor Fritz.

Djokovic had battled his way through to the fourth round, negotiating physical discomfort and some uncharacteristic wobbles, but he brushed aside qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3 6-3 6-2 in just an hour and 49 minutes under the lights on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Djokovic took a medical timeout during his win against Cameron Norrie on Friday for treatment to his back, and he twice had his shoulder massaged here, but there appeared to be little cause for concern, with the Serbian serving very well and hitting the ball cleanly.

Stand clear.

Huge match incoming. pic.twitter.com/7vvHTabLcu

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 1, 2025

He becomes the first man to reach at least the quarter-finals of all four grand slams in nine different seasons, and a record-breaking 25th major title is once again within reach.

Djokovic is wary, though, having fallen short on multiple occasions recently, saying: “The last couple of years, if I learned one thing right now, it’s to take really one match at a time.

“Of course, I’m dreaming about winning another slam, and it would be amazing if I do it here. But I can’t allow myself to go that far with my thinking, because I just need to focus on what needs to be done to win the next match.

“The last grand slam I won was here two years ago. To close the circle here again would be great. Let’s see.

“What gives me a lot of encouragement right now and positivity is the way I played tonight. Best performance of the tournament so far. Hopefully I can keep that going.”

Djokovic is yet to face another seed but that will change in the next round when he faces fourth seed and last year’s beaten finalist Fritz.

Fritz is