US Open 2021: History-chasing Djokovic powers into semis with a comeback win against Berrettini

Bengaluru, September 9: World No,1 Novak Djokovic moved within two wins of an historic calendar Grand Slam at the US Open 2021 after completing a merciless comeback against Matteo Berrettini 5-7, 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 en route to the semifinals.

Berrettini was seeking revenge for his Wimbledon final loss to Djokovic and the Italian sixth seed gave himself a good chance after winning the opening set at Flushing Meadows on Wednesday.

But Berrettini was helplessly outclassed in a devastating display from Djokovic, who is bidding to become just the third man to sweep all four majors in a year and first since 1969.

'I'll take your legs out, that's for sure!' – Djokovic after brutal Brooksby battle

The 20-time major champion, who can also break the record for most men's slam titles – currently tied with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, will face Alexander Zverev in the New York semis.

Earlier, Zverev, won his 16th match in a row with a straight-sets win over Lloyd Harris.

US Open: Zverev powers past Harris to reach semifinals

The fourth seed saved a set point from Harris in a tense opener and built on that to earn a 7-6 (8-6), 6-3, 6-4 triumph in a little over two hours.

Zverev has dropped just one set across his five matches at Flushing Meadows this year and is set to face Djokovic as he seeks a place in back-to-back finals.

For the third consecutive match, Djokovic done it the hard way, rallying after dropping the opening set, just like he did against Jenson Brooksby and Kei Nishikori.

In a brutal display of big hitting, Berrettini had the crowd roaring – firing down seven aces and saving two break points in a marathon first set lasting one hour, 17 minutes.

Novak to crowd: getpic.twitter.com/MTkwVJ1TDl

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 9, 2021

Berrettini held serve in a physically demanding sixth game after 12 minutes and seven deuces.

Djokovic – not without his chances – did not look like his usual self, spraying a forehand wide as Berrettini seized control following four set points.

Berrettini was looking to claim his first win over Djokovic after three consecutive defeats and earn his first top-10 victory at a grand slam (0-5 heading into the contest), but the Serb star turned the match on its head into the second set.

Djokovic, though, flipped the switch as he broke for the first time to move 3-1 ahead before consolidating for a 4-1 lead, silencing the pro-Berrettini crowd in New York, where the latter was unable to stop the rot.

Berrettini looked deflated and tired in the third set – Djokovic racing out to a commanding 3-0 advantage.

Djokovic missed the chance to move 5-2 ahead but it only delayed the inevitable as he fended off a break point the very next game to eventually earn a two-sets-to-one lead.

And the 34-year-old could not be stopped as he celebrated his 80th US Open match win in emphatic fashion.

Data slam: Can Djokovic be stopped?

Djokovic extended his winning streak at grand slams to 26 matches, while he also remains unbeaten in US Open quarter-finals (12-0). The record-chasing star also owns a 9-0 major record in 2021 after dropping the first set.

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS

Djokovic – 44/28 Berrettini – 42/43

ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS

Djokovic – 12/4 Berrettini – 17/2

BREAK POINTS WON

Djokovic – 5/16 Berrettini – 1/5

(With OPTA inputs)