Top-ranked Novak Djokovic of Serbia advanced to the US Open 2013 semifinals with a 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-0 victory over Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny in the match staged at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Thursday night. The 2011 titlist lost a set for the first time in tournament but went on to make up for that with a fourth set bagel which only lasted 29 minutes.
“For some reason, I allowed him to come back into the match, started to push the ball, [was] being more passive and allowing him to step into the court, come to the net,” Djokovic said.
This is Djokovic’s 14th straight Grand Slam semifinal. He’s reached the semifinals or better at the US Open for the seventh straight year.
“I’ve been always trying to play my best tennis in the Grand Slams and every Grand Slam offers something different,” Djokovic said during the oncourt interview. “The US Open is very special tournament, especially the night session. It’s the biggest stadium we have in sport. The atmosphere is very electric. The crowd gets into it and I was really enjoying the whole match.”
Almost everyone has been expecting Djokovic to face world number three Andy Murray in the semifinals. However, this was not meant to happen as Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka upstaged the Wimbledon champion in straight sets. Djokovic has a 12-2 head to head series lead over Wawrinka.
“It’s going to be a very close match for both of us. I think there is really no clear favourite,” said Djokovic. “He showed today why he deserves to be in Top 10 of the world. He won in straight sets against the defending champion and he probably played one of his best tennis that I’ve seen him play on hard courts.”
A loss in the semifinals could jeopardize Djokovic’s hold in the number one ranking. If he loses in this stage and if world number two Rafael Nadal wins the US Open, then he will be giving up the number one ranking.
“I’m extra motivated as the tournament goes on. It’s quarter-finals, now it’s semi-finals, and I want to win, that’s why I’m here,” Djokovic said.
