In New York Nole takes a risk at the end, then closes in the third: 6-3 6-2 7-6 (4) and in the end “hangs up the phone” on the American. Wait for Medvedev or Alcaraz
Novak Djokovic certainly never believed in fairy tales, otherwise he would have at least left a set to Ben Shelton. Instead, the Serbian phenomenon wins easily 6-3 6-2 7-6 (4) in 2 hours and 40 minutes and gets the first class ticket to the US Open final. It will be the 36th final of Nole’s career in a Slam, the tenth in New York. A timeless giant who continues to strongly support his nomination as “strongest tennis player of all time”, if the category exists. Novak is certainly the longest-lived of the last 20 years, a robot incapable of stopping winning. Shelton, who played the tournament of his life, surrenders (but fighting in a great third set) in the first Slam semifinal in a career that promises many highlights. Djokovic thus celebrates his hundredth match at the US Open, winning… as always and “hanging up” the phone to Ben, imitating the American’s gesture.
THE MATCH
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Djokovic, unlike what often happens, also starts well with his serve. Shelton, who built the crucial part of the match with Tiafoe on the return, is unable to react on the Serb’s serve. Nole never trembles and finds the break in the sixth game, at the first possible opportunity. He would have 4 set points in the eighth game, but Shelton cancels them by holding on to his serve. Novak risks rebalancing the match by granting a break point in the ninth game, but obviously cancels everything and closes 6-3 in 35 minutes. The second partial is more balanced in length (44 minutes) but not in substance. With 5 games in a row despite Ben canceling a break point in the first game with a splendid forehand down the line, Novak goes straight to a disheartening 6-2 for Shelton. The Serbian scores 65% of his first shots with which he scores 87% of the points (impressive) and becomes lethal in response.
THE END
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Shelton, carried away by the Arthur Ashe crowd who obviously charged Djokovic more and more, aware of having no fans in Flushing, still failed to react. Break at the start of the third set for Nole, who risks doing an encore in the fifth game. It all seems destined to end, but Ben shows great attachment to the match by making the first break of his match in the eighth game. From this moment on the match becomes fantastic. Ben wins the next game without any worries, but Nole has to resort to a winning serve to save a break point. The champion comes out and finds the break, but Shelton – when he has to defend the match on his rival’s serve – is monstrous. Match point canceled and game to tie-break, where Nole is incredible. Ahead 5-1, Djokovic is beaten 5-4 but comes out of the tunnel with a splendid volley and an exchange that makes the American make a mistake. Robot Nole never disappoints.
atmosphere
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Djokovic is centered as always in the post match. “These matches keep me alive, I thank these people for the atmosphere. Things went very well today, but it wasn’t easy. At 36 years old, achieving great results? It’s a mix of discipline, work and sacrifice. I am happy with all the goals achieved. It will be another Slam final and I couldn’t ask for more.” Then the question about Alcaraz and Medvedev, his possible opponents. “Both are extraordinary: two years ago I lost to Daniil in the final here. Carlos is incredible, at his age he does crazy things. It will be the most difficult match of the tournament for me.”
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