(New York) Novak Djokovic is back in the US Open final for 10e time, after beating American Ben Shelton 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (4) on Friday.
Djokovic, 23 times major tournament champion, missed the tournament last year because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19.
Shelton made things interesting in the third inning.
The 20-year-old American broke Djokovic’s serve twice, even getting a set point at 5-4 and erasing a match point.
PHOTO COREY SIPKIN, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Novak Djokovic
“The third round could have gone one way or the other,” summed up the Serb.
After the tiebreaker, Djokovic imitated Shelton’s celebration where he mimed emphatically putting down the handset of an old-fashioned telephone, to celebrate a victory.
PHOTO FRANK FRANKLIN II, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Ben Shelton and Novak Djokovic at the end of the duel
It was former hurdler Grant Holloway who inspired Shelton to do this. After the match, the latter said he was not bothered by the imitation made by Djokovic.
“I don’t like going on social media and having people tell me what I can or can’t do to celebrate,” Shelton said. I think if you win, you deserve to do what you want. When I was younger, I learned that imitating something is the most sincere way to offer a compliment. That’s all I have to say about that. »
Djokovic will be looking for a fourth title at Flushing Meadows on Sunday.
His rival in the final match will be Daniil Medvedev, who beat favorite Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (3), 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.
PHOTO MIKE SEGAR, REUTERS
Daniel Medvedev
Champion in New York in 2021, Medvedev then beat the Serb in three sets in the final, depriving Djokovic of winning all the Grand Slam tournaments that year.
At 36, Djokovic would be the oldest Flushing Meadows winner of the modern era (starting in 1968).
“These are the kinds of matches and occasions that motivate me,” Djokovic said. These are the things that make me motivated to get up and go play, like the youngest.
“I still believe I have it in me. I still believe I can give something to this sport. »
Known for his powerful serves, Shelton was limited to five aces, in addition to suffering five breaks.
PHOTO FRANK FRANKLIN II, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Ben Shelton
He started the match with 76 aces in the New York tournament, a record.
Djokovic played a 100e match at the US Open, Shelton a seventh. Last year, he celebrated an NCAA title with the University of Florida.
With a victory on Sunday, Djokovic would surpass Sverena Williams for the most major singles tournaments won in the modern era.
Even if he loses, Djokovic, second in the world, will regain the top of the world rankings on Monday.
Alcaraz was the reigning champion of the American leg of the Grand Slam.
He was trying to become the first tennis player to remain crowned in New York since the 2004-2008 era, under the reign of Roger Federer.
Medvedev is the third headliner. His triumph in the Big Apple two years ago represents his only prestigious trophy to date.
He will play in a third U.S. Open final, including a loss to Rafael Nadal in 2019.
