WATCH: Novak Djokovic contests epic 53-shot rally as he closes in on history
Novak Djokovic requires just one more victory to complete the Calendar Slam after ousting Alexander Zverev in their US Open semi-final.
The world number one and number four did battle in Arthur Ashe Stadium for five sets and over three and a half hours on-court, with Djokovic triumphing 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.
Djokovic now has 27 of the 28 wins needed to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to complete the Calendar Slam.
Claiming the US Open trophy would also see Djokovic surpass Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to reach 21 Major singles titles, the most by any man ever.
“I would like to say thank you, because the atmosphere was amazing,” Djokovic expressed to the crowd following the match.
“The best atmosphere of the tournament so far, thank you so much. Incredible.
“These are the moments we live for. These are the kind of unique opportunities that we dream of everyday when we wake up and try to find motivation to go out and do the same things over and over again.
“It pays off when you’re playing in this incredible stadium with this atmosphere, so thank you so much for making it special.”
It was a tough battle between the two men, including a number of gruelling rallies, peaking with this monstrous exchange on set point for Djokovic in the third.
53 shots.
A rally you’ll never forget. #USOpenpic.twitter.com/VGLeMSUrSK
— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 11, 2021
The only man left standing in the path of the 20-time Slam champion is Daniil Medvedev, the same opponent Djokovic faced in the Australian Open final at the start of the season to secure an 18th Slam title and kickstart his quest for the Calendar Slam.
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