Novak Djokovic on course for 24th grand slam
Novak Djokovic went a step closer to winning a record 24th Grand Slam on Friday by beating American Ben Shelton in the US Open semi-finals. The veteran will play Daniil Medvedev in a repeat of the 2021 final, which saw the Russian stun one of the world’s greatest ever tennis players.
Medvedev pulled off another shock in the early hours of Saturday morning. The 27-year-old sought revenge for his Wimbledon semi-final defeat by Carlos Alcaraz, beating the tournament favourite in four sets.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Coco Gauff can win the first Grand Slam of her young career. At 19, she can join the likes of Martina Hingis, Tracy Austin and Monica Seles by winning the US Open while still a teenager.
You can follow all the updates throughout the day with Express Sport LIVE below…
READ MORE: Novak Djokovic makes strong retirement statement ahead of US Open final[REACTION]
Medvedev got in Alcaraz’s head
Daniil Medvedev has explained how he got inside Carlos Alcaraz’s head.
The Russian is through to the US Open semi-final after defeating the Spaniard.
He said afterwards: “Yeah, the thing is US Open, and I don’t really know the reason, I tend to play aggressive, fast, I serve well. Probably the speed of the court that helps me.
“Indian Wells, I mean, that I did the final was amazing, because I basically can’t hit the ball there. It has nothing to do, let’s call it, with my forehand and so I beat some good guys there, some good matches, but as soon as I got someone like Carlos with his style of play, it was kind of over for me.
“I would generally think a court like Miami maybe I could have done the same like today. So for sure I had my plan in my head, but I kind of had the same one in Wimbledon and Indian Wells.
“It’s just that the courts were tougher to use it. I mean, grass is completely different, so on grass it’s just tougher to hit this forehand. So I’m happy that I managed to get in his head.”
Medvedev shocks Alcaraz
Daniil Medvedev set up a repeat of the 2021 US Open final by steaming past reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Medvedev beat one of the hot favourites in a thrilling four-setter on Arthur Ashe, sealing a 7-6 6-1 3-6 6-3 victory.
The 2021 champion avoided another remarkable comeback from Alcaraz and will now play Djokovic hoping to pull of another major scalp.
“I said I needed to play 11 out of 10. I played 12 out of 10, except the third set. That’s the only way,” the Russian said.
“I don’t know if he’s still 20 or 21, but [he is] so young, already two Grand Slams, World No. 1 for many weeks.
“It’s honestly just pretty unbelievable and I think nobody has done it before him. To beat him, you need to be better than yourself and I managed to do it.”
Shelton responds to Djokovic ‘copying’ celebration
Ben Shelton joked that ‘imitation was the sincerest form of flattery’ after Novak Djokovic ‘stole’ his celebration.
Shelton has celebrated during the US Open by miming putting a phone to his ear.
And Djokovic did the same after his win over the American at the US Open.
“I don’t like when I’m on social media and I see people telling me how I can celebrate or can’t celebrate. I think if you win the match, you deserve to do whatever you want,” Shelton said.
“As a kid growing up, I always learned that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so that’s all I have to say about that.”
Djokovic added: “I just love Ben’s celebration. I thought it was very original, and I copied him. I stole his celebration.”
Djokovic ‘arrogant’
Novak Djokovic admitted he was ‘arrogant’ after beating Ben Shelton.
Djokovic will climb to the World No 1 spot in Sunday’s final against Daniil Medvedev, who stunned Carlos Alcaraz overnight.
Asked if he was ‘surprised’ to still be competing at the highest level at 36, the Serb responded: “I mean, I don’t know. It probably sounds cocky or arrogant, but I’m not really surprised, because I know how much work and dedication and energy I put into trying to be in this position, so I know that I deserve this.
“I always believe in myself, in my own capabilities, you know, in my skills, in my quality as a tennis player to be able to deliver when it matters.
“So I’m not really surprised, to be honest with you. Because I feel good. Physically I have been as fit or as prepared, as strong as, I don’t want to say as ever, but, I mean, as good as I have been in the years and years.
“So age is just a number, that phrase is resonating at the moment with me. And, you know, I don’t want to even consider, you know, leaving tennis or thinking about an end if I’m still at the top of the game.”
Welcome
Welcome to Express Sport’s LIVE US Open blog.
We’ll have coverage right throughout the day as the fall-out from the men’s singles semi-finals continues.
Later this evening, Coco Gauff will battle for her first-ever Grand Slam in the women’s singles final.
She plays Aryna Sabalenka seeking to make history on Arthur Ashe.
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