US Open Second Service: Novak Djokovic books semi-final spot; Emma Raducanu compared to Serbian
On Second Service today, Novak Djokovic overcomes Matteo Berrettini to reach the US Open semi-final and Emma Raducanu is compared to the world number one after outclassing Belinda Bencic.
Firstly, Djokovic is now just two matches away from a history making Calendar Slam after dispatching Berrettini in four sets for the third time this year.
As is commonplace at this year’s event, Djokovic dropped the set, but he slowly worked his way to his most efficient tennis and wore down the resistance of an increasingly dispirited Berrettini.
“It was a great match. A lot of energy on court and off the court,” said the world number one.
“I put my tennis to a different level and it was the best three sets I have played so far in the tournament.”
See more of what Djokovic had to say here
British sensation Emma Raducanu continued her fairytale run in New York with yet another straight sets victory, this time against Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic.
The 18-year-old, who was ranked 338 in the world heading into Wimbledon, has many similarities with Novak Djokovic according to Mats Wilander.
“I think we have to start talking about Emma Raducanu’s serve a little bit more because at 18 years old, to have a serve like that is very unusual,” Wilander said.
“Her movement, especially out to the backhand side, is just incredible.
“She’s flexible, she’s strong, hits the ball in the middle of the racket just like a certain Serbian player going for the calendar Grand Slam, Novak Djokovic. There are so many similarities.”
Take a look at Wilander’s full quotes here
In other news, Daniil Medvedev insists he ‘doesn’t care’ that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are absent from this year’s US Open.
This comes after players such as Frances Tiafoe admitted their absence gave him more motivation, though Medvedev disagrees.
“I don’t care if Roger or Rafa is here,” the 25-year-old said.
“I want to win the tournament. It’s going to be tougher if they were here, and of course it would be tougher if they would be 30 years old. But I just want to do my best, so I don’t care if they are here or not.”
See more of what Medvedev had to say here
Lastly, 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro has issued a huge injury update after he made a surprise appearance at Flushing Meadows.
The Argentine has endured a wretched time with injuries in his career, and has had to undergo four knee surgeries since he last played in 2019.
He has steadfastly refused to give up, though, and he finally had some positive news for his fans on the fitness front.
“This is the toughest match of my career, because I cannot deal with these kind of injuries, this pain that I have now. But I’m still trying and trying,” said the 32-year-old.
“The knee is much better for now. I’m still recovering, but I’m on court, which is a good thing for me.
“I’m looking forward to being ready in a couple of months. If everything goes well, next season will be fine to start.”
Take a look at del Potro’s full quotes here
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