Djokovic, Fritz to Meet in Australian Open Quarterfinals

January 22, 2024 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Taylor Fritz will try to move into the win column against Novak Djokovic and earn his spot in his first Grand Slam semifinal (Photo Credit: Brad Penner/USTA)

Taylor Fritz is into the third major quarterfinal of his career after he defeated seventh-seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in four sets.

“I felt that as soon as I knew that I was going to be playing Stef in this match, I don’t know, I think the styles match up well for me,” said Fritz. “I just felt very relaxed and confident…I had a feeling I was going to play well.”

Up next for the top-ranked American is the 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, who dismantled Adrian Mannarino 6-0, 6-0, 6-3 in his fourth-round match.

Djokovic and Fritz have met eight times in their careers, three of which came at majors, and the Serb has won all eight. Still though, Fritz thinks this match could be different as he is playing some of the best tennis of his career, and he feels as confident as ever.

“I feel like I’m hitting every shot well and the fitness is also there. I’ve had lots of time to put in the work,” said Fritz. “And, you know, I think the last piece is just feeling 100 percent and knowing that I can go as hard as I want and just all out and know that my body is going to allow it. So, I think that’s just the biggest thing for me…as far as my game goes, everything feels really good.”

The two played a five-set affair at the Australian Open back in 2021, but Djokovic has been dominant in the other seven contests, something Fritz will aim to change on Monday night.

“I’m going to have to serve like I did today but I’m confident,” said Fritz. “If I’m able to play like I did today, I’ll have a chance.”

The other three quarterfinals on the men’s side will see second-seed Carlos Alcaraz play sixth-seed Alexander Zverev, third-seed Daniil Medvedev take on ninth-seed Hubert Hurkacz and fourth-seed Jannik Sinner face off against fifth-seed Andrey Rublev.

 


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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