2023 US Open quarterfinals: Taylor Fritz vs. Novak Djokovic

The reaction was fitting for a final berth, maybe even a title at a smaller event. When top-ranked American man Taylor Fritz reached his first US Open quarterfinal—where he’ll face Novak Djokovic—the 25-year-old chucked his racquet, steeled his arms at his side and roared at his box.

Even before Fritz beat compatriot Tommy Paul to win the 2015 US Open junior boys’ title, the rumblings were out there about the California kid with a laser backhand and a big serve.

The first marquee match of the 2023 U.S. Open Tennis Tournament is upon us, with top-ranked American Taylor Fritz facing off against all-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in a highly-anticipated quarterfinal matchup.

Want to watch Fritz vs. Djokovic? The tennis match is airing live on ESPN, which is available on conventional cable or through a service like DirecTV Stream. The streamer is offering a free trial right now that you can use to get instant access to watch Fritz vs. Djokovic live online free.

The reality is that if Taylor Fritz shows up and doesn’t let his nerves get the best of him, he should present a lot of problems for Djokovic. The 36-year-old doesn’t struggle against most types of players, but big servers that can also do some damage from the baseline have given him trouble in the past. We saw Hubert Hurkacz put up a great effort against Djokovic at Wimbledon, but he wasn’t able to get the job done in the two tiebreakers they played. Fritz isn’t quite as good of a server as Hurkacz is, but he’s still one of the best servers on tour. So, the American does have it in him to force some tiebreakers, at least. And I’d expect him to win at least one if we do see them.

On one hand, we have the young 20-year-old upstart, looking to make a name for himself in the world of professional tennis. On the other, a grizzled veteran with undeniable skills and a wealth of knowledge owing to several impressive title wins. These are the rivalries that make sports so great. The very human experience of the young taking on the old, in the most simplistic terms, is how this rivalry could be looked at. Questions regarding Djokovic’s athletic prime, his longevity in the sport and his love for the game were all raised by a media that looked like it had an axe to grind with the Serbian. Maybe his refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine played a part in the bad press, but as far as his skills are concerned, they are undeniable. Sure, he’s had to claw his way back from heavy defeats but the measure of a man like this cannot be summarised through just his defeats, it’s what he does after he’s lost it all that really counts. And, as far as winning is concerned, it looks like Djokovic has no plans of slowing down whatsoever. 

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 Sarah H

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