Tennis Djokovic hoping to ‘mess up’ possible final between top two

NOVAK Djokovic is hoping to be the US Open’s disruptor after setting up a semifinal blockbuster against Carlos Alcaraz.

- Eleanor CROOKS

Djokovic overcame Taylor Fritz and a rowdy New York crowd on Tuesday night, quelling the American’s fightback to keep alive his chances of a 25th grand slam title.

Fritz had hoped to finally secure a first victory over Djokovic at the 11th time of asking but the majority of the big moments went the way of the Serbian, who triumphed 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 after three hours and 24 minutes.

That earned Djokovic a date with Alcaraz, pictured, on Friday night as he bids to break through the semifinal barrier for the first time at a grand slam this season and prevent a third major final in a row between the Spaniard and Jannik Sinner.

“We don’t need to spend words about the two of them,” said Djokovic. “We know that they are the two best players in the world.

“Everybody is probably expecting and anticipating the finals between the two of them. I’m going to try to mess up the plans of most of the people.”

The 38-year-old pointedly stressed that a key question mark will be over his fitness.

Djokovic stretched out his neck and shoulders towards the end of his victory over Fritz and must hope his body does not let him down again, as it did at the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year.