NEW YORK – Novak Djokovic is the new K-pop star and, for the 53rd time in his career, a Grand Slam semi-finalist.
Dancing to the rhythm of KPop Demon Hunters in honour of his daughter Tara’s birthday on September 2, the Serb celebrated his place in the last four of the 2025 US Open.
“We do different choreographies and this is one of them. I hope she wakes up tomorrow with a smile,” said Djokovic on Arthur Ashe, referring to the dance from the animated film about a group of women who use Korean music to fight dark forces.
His 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 win over Taylor Fritz produced incredibly tight statistics (Djokovic won only four more points than the North American), but the former world No.1 knew how to raise his level when it mattered most to take the crucial points.
Every time Djokovic reaches the final stages of a major, new records are written next to his name: most semi-finals in US Open history (14, tied with Jimmy Connors); the oldest player to reach the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams in a single year; and the most occasions reaching the semis at all four majors in a season.
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This Friday, he will face Carlos Alcaraz for a place in the final: “What’s coming won’t be any easier, I can tell you.”
“It’s a spectacle for the tournament, for us to play again. I beat him this year in Australia, here the conditions will be different. I hope to feel better with my shots, because against Alcaraz it will be necessary,” he said in Spanish to ESPN.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion will use his two recovery days before the clash with the Spaniard to get his body fully ready.
“I’d love to be fit enough to play and potentially go five sets with Carlos. I know I’ll need my best tennis, but I’ll rise to the occasion. I’ll do everything I can with my team to be in shape for that.”
“There will be a lot of running, that’s for sure. The points won’t be short,” he added.
“Everyone is waiting for a Sinner–Alcaraz final. I’ll try to spoil those plans.”
