It was showtime in New York with the semi-finals of the US Open up and running. Headlining the all-important action was the man chasing history with the sporting world behind him. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic took on Alexander Zverev as he battled to move inches closer to a historic Calendar Grand Slam. However, with an opponent who ruined part of his history already, could Novak redeem himself?
The Arthur Ashe stadium was up on their feet as the two ATP stars walked out onto the court. With history at stake, all eyes were glued to Novak. Courtesy of his stature and sublime form, he was the favorite for the win. However, given the result of their recent outing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Djoko’s fans feared the upset of the century. Notably, as the Serb once again dropped the first set, the crowd watched in disparity, bitting their nails for what was about to come.
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It was 4-6 to Zverev on the opening set, with Novak now fighting for his place in the match. However, what came following in the third set had the sporting world erupt into praises.
Sensational tennis from Novak Djokovic and Alexander Medvedev
This was the fourth consecutive game that Novak lost the first set. However, if history was to be repeated, a whitewash was about to come next. Notably, the Serb started the set strong, gaining the all-important break right in the beginning. Up 3-0, he wasn’t going to surrender his lead. Courtesy of some dominant tennis, Novak began to find his rhythm, winning the second set 6-2.
We can't show you that entire 53-ball rally because of broadcast restrictions, but here's the end of the point.
Enjoy. pic.twitter.com/BQS9U1wvUK
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 11, 2021
However, a neck-to-neck third set had the fans on the edge of their seats. Both players went the distance in order to unsettle the other. The set even saw its longest rally up till there, 53 shots back and forth.
Not just the game, but it was also the longest rally of the tournament. Fans and followers took to their Twitter, reacting to the same.
…………..
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) September 11, 2021
NO-VAKING-WAY!!! @usopen
— Rob Koenig (@RobKoenigTennis) September 11, 2021
53 shots wonder 💭 if longest rally of @usopen
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) September 11, 2021
SEN-SASCHA-NAL!!!! @usopen
— Rob Koenig (@RobKoenigTennis) September 11, 2021
😱
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) September 11, 2021
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Fuck this shit.
— Janina (@JLR78) September 11, 2021
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However, Novak’s calm demeanor and settled composure saw him win the third set 6-4. As Zverev had all to play, the Arthur Ashe stadium erupted, with Twitter in a frenzy over the unbelievable tennis they witnessed. Into the fourth set, the scoreline reads 4-6, 6-2, 6-2, 1-1.
Watch this story: Top Seeds Naomi Osaka, John Isner, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev and Others Who Faced Huge Upsets at US Open