The world’s No. 1 tennis player, Novak Djokovic who is eyeing a record 21 grand slam Friday edged out Alexander Zverev in the semis of this year’s US Open to stroll into the finals.
Zverev set aside the stiff challenge of the Serbian in the match played at the Bellie Jean King stadium in New York to win the 1st set 4-6.
Alexander Zverev..wasn’t easy to breakThe World’s No 1 however rallied in the second, winning 6-2, and 6-4 in a keenly contested third set.
In the fourth. Zverev put up a great fight, posting a befitting reply to secure a 6-4 win, which put the two men at par.
Apparently relying on the experience and an inner strength of champions, Djokovic clinched the final set.
Novak Djokovic… Celebrates victory over Zverev after the encounter Following his victory, Novak has set up a tie with the Russian Mendevev who is playing the best tennis of his life.
Both men would meet on centre court on Sunday. They would be fighting to make history.
Mendevev would want to enter the hallway of history as the won who stopped Djokovic.
Djokovic on the other hand would want to record a 21 grand slam win and fans are already talking about “21 in ’21”
Great players like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafal Nadal have won 20 grand Slams each.
If all goes well, Novak aided by his team would hope to step into the books as the one who made it 21 ahead of the pack.
The Port Harcourt Telegraph Correspondent who monitored the match which lasted more than three hours said experience won the match for the Serbian.
Speaking after the huge win, Djokovic spoke of evolving a formula that has worked for him on court, and talked about what he described as tornadoes and hurricanes of emotion.
He thanked tennis fans for their support, saying they have made moments like this special.
The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center has been the venue of the US Open since 1978.
Between 1881 and 1974, the US Open was played outdoors on grass. In 1975, players played on clay and would do until 1977.
Since 1978, they have played on hard surface outdoors.
This year’s prize money is put at US$57.5 million.