(New York) Novak Djokovic returned to the US Open final for the 10th time, after beating American Ben Shelton 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (4) on Friday.
Djokovic, 23 times major tournament champion, missed the tournament last year because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19.
Shelton made things interesting in the third inning.
The 20-year-old American broke Djokovic’s serve twice, even getting a set point at 5-4 and erasing a match point.
“The third round could have gone one way or the other,” summed up the Serb.
After the tiebreaker, Djokovic mimicked Shelton’s celebration where he emphatically mimics putting down the receiver of an old-fashioned phone, to celebrate a win.
It was former hurdler Grant Holloway who inspired Shelton to do this. After the match, the latter said he was not bothered by the imitation made by Djokovic.
“I don’t like going on social media and having people telling me what I can and can’t do for a celebration,” Shelton said. I think if you win, you deserve to do what you want. When I was younger, I learned that mimicking something is the most sincere way to give a compliment. That’s all I have to say about it. »
Djokovic will be looking for a fourth title at Flushing Meadows on Sunday.
His rival in the ultimate match will be Daniil Medvedev, who beat favorite Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (3), 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.
Champion in New York in 2021, Medvedev then beat the Serb in three sets in the final, depriving Djokovic of winning all the Grand Slam tournaments that year.
At 36, Djokovic would be the oldest Flushing Meadows winner in the modern era (starting in 1968).
“These are the kinds of matches and occasions that motivate me,” Djokovic said. These are the things that make me motivated to get up and go play, like the youngest.
“I still think I have it in me. I still believe I can give something to this sport. »
Recognized for his powerful serves, Shelton was limited to five aces, in addition to being the victim of five breaks.
He entered the match with 76 aces in the New York tournament, a record.
Djokovic was playing a 100th match at the U.S. Open, Shelton a seventh. Last year, he celebrated an NCAA title with the University of Florida.
With a victory on Sunday, Djokovic would surpass Sverena Williams for the most major singles tournaments won in the modern era.
Even if he loses, Djokovic, second in the world, will regain the top of the world rankings on Monday.
Alcaraz was the reigning champion of the American leg of the Grand Slam.
He was trying to become the first tennis player to remain crowned in New York since the 2004-2008 era, under the reign of Roger Federer.
Medvedev is the third headliner. His triumph in the Big Apple two years ago represents his only prestigious trophy to date.
He will play in a third U.S. Open final, including a loss to Rafael Nadal in 2019.