Djokovic advances to quarterfinals at US Open

The 36-year-old Grand Slam record winner from Serbia defeated the Croatian qualifier Borna Gojo in the round of 16 on Sunday 6: 2, 7: 5, 6: 4. Djokovic had significantly less trouble in 2:26 hours than in the previous five-set win over compatriot Laslo Djere.

Before Fritz, the US pros Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton also made it into the top eight. “Three Americans in the quarterfinals, that’s great for American tennis. Everyone has a strong serve, they’re aggressive,” said Djokovic, praising his next opponent Fritz. “He’s playing great tennis, especially at home. Obviously the matches are getting harder and harder. I’m ready.”

Djokovic has never lost in seven duels with Fritz. At the Grand Slam tournament in New York, however, the 25-year-old is currently playing well and is the only quarter-finalist who has not yet dropped a set. Fritz also remained flawless against the qualifier Dominic Stricker from Switzerland with 7: 6 (7: 2), 6: 4, 6: 4.

“Novak is Novak. It’s difficult,” said the ninth in the world rankings. “There’s nobody who has that kind of record against me, so I’m hoping to beat him one day. The US Open quarterfinals would be a pretty good time.”

Swiatek failed due to fear opponent

Defending champion Iga Swiatek surprisingly failed at the US Open in the round of 16 because of her feared opponent. The 22-year-old Pole lost to Jelena Ostapenko 6: 3, 3: 6, 1: 6 late on Sunday evening (local time) and also lost the fourth duel of her career with the Latvian. With Swiatek’s exit, Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka will replace the four-time Grand Slam tournament winner as the world leader after the US Open.

“I knew I had to be aggressive because she doesn’t like it,” said Ostapenko, 26. “I am really happy.” The former French Open winner reached the top eight at the Grand Slam tournament in New York for the first time and is now challenging the American crowd favorite Coco Gauff (19). The US star ended the Grand Slam comeback of the Dane Caroline Wozniacki (33) with 6: 3, 3: 6, 6: 1.

After winning the first set, the top seeded Swiatek found it increasingly difficult to cope with Ostapenko’s aggressive play. The world rankings-21. dominated the game with her powerful groundstrokes and after a 4:3 lead in the second set, she won seven games in a row. Swiatek seemed at a loss and had to admit defeat after 1:48 hours.

French Open finalist Karolina Muchova and Sorana Cirstea have reached the quarterfinals. The 27-year-old Czech defeated the Chinese Wang Xinyu in the round of 16 on Sunday in 2:34 hours with 6:3.5:7.6:1 and now meets Cirstea. The 33-year-old Romanian defeated the Swiss Olympic champion Belinda Bencic 6:3,6:3 and is in the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam tournament for the second time since the French Open in 2009.

Muchova gave up a set for the first time in the tournament. “I’m glad it’s over. It’s pretty warm today,” said the world number ten at more than 30 degrees.