US Open: Djokovic Pays Tribute To Federer-Slayer Millman After Quarterfinal Win

The US Open is entering the latter stages with the cream slowly but surely rising to the top and Day 10 saw pre-tournament favorite Novak Djokovic book his place in the semifinals with a straight sets win over John Millman.

The tournament has seen a number of upsets with the biggest being Roger Federer’s exit in the quarterfinals against Millman, while there have been more than one in the women’s draw. Simona Halep, the top seed was sent packing on the opening day, while number two Caroline Wozniacki lost in the second round.

Defending women’s champion Sloane Stephens was knocked out on Day 9 by Latvian Anastasija Sevastova, while Serena Williams continues the chase for her 24th women’s singles Grand Slam title to equal Margaret Court’s all-time record.

However, it was all about Djokovic on Day 10, with the Serbian taking on Federer’s conqueror for a place in the last four of the US Open. He is the bookmakers’ favorite despite defending champion Rafael Nadal having already made the semifinals after a marathon win over Dominic Thiem.

The number six seed won in straight sets — 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 — but the match was not straight forward as the Australian fought for every point. Djokovic failed to win his first 13 breakpoints in the game with his first conversion coming late in the second set and that was when Millman double faulted.

The former world number one paid tribute to the 29-year-old Aussie after the win, stating that he put up a great fight during the course of the match especially after a grueling match against Federer earlier in the week.

“I was tested very well and I was on court for three hours,” Djokovic said after his straight sets win. “Credit to John for putting up a great battle.”

“He’s truly a great fighter. He’s had an amazing tournament and to come out after his Federer match, he deserves a round of applause,” the Serbian, who was not at his best on the night, added.

Djokovic will take on Kei Nishikori, who made his third US Open semifinal after a five set win over Marin Cilic. The Japanese star finally got revenge on the Croatian for their 2014 US Open final when the latter won in straight sets to win his maiden Grand Slam title.

Nishikori like Djokovic is also making his way back from a long-term injury absence after injuring his wrist just prior to the start of the 2017 US Open. He returned to action at the start of the year, but has struggled for form.

Meanwhile, in the women’s draw, 2017 finalist Madison Keys booked her place in the last four with a win over Carla Suarez Navarro and will take on first time semifinalist Naomi Osaka, who beat Lesia Tsurenko, who had previously defeated Wozniacki in the second round.

In the top-half of the men’s and women’s singles draw, Nadal will take on Juan Martin del Potro and Williams will take on Sevastova for a place in the summit clash on Sunday and Saturday respectively.