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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

New York was in for a treat on day 10 of the US Open. A man on a mission, Novak Djokovic, had his eyes set on the prize as he took on a familiar opponent, promising an enticing clash. Aiming for a calendar grand slam, would he pass the toughest test so far in his journey at the Flushing Meadows?

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World No. 1 Novak Djokovic met Italian international, Matteo Berrettini in the quarter-finals of the 2021 US Open. Notably, the duo has met twice this year at both at the Roland Garros and in the final of the 2021 Wimbledon Championship. Living up to its expectations, the game was off to a stellar start. Notably, Matteo left no stone unturned, toppling the Serbian giant in the first set. Ruthless, agile, and out to draw blood, he beat Novak in surreal fashion, putting the World No.1 under immense pressure. The Italian bagged the first set, 7-5, leaving the former champion stunned.

Read more: Amazing Statistic Shows Novak Djokovic is Unfazed by Losing First Set in Grand Slams 

Thrilling comeback from Novak Djokovic

Novak put on a show in the second set. Looking for a resurrection, he went all guns blazing, leaving no room for error. The game was a complete whitewash from there onwards. The 20-time Grand Slam champion played with sheer dominance on the court, exhibiting confidence and authority with every strike. Novak showed why he’s one of the best out there. He outclassed his opponent, cruising into the semi-finals of the tournament, with the final scoreline reading 5-7, 6-2, 6-2, 6-3.

USA Today via Reuters

In the semi-final, Djokovic will face a familiar opponent who ruined his plans of a Golden slam at the Tokyo Olympics. However, unfazed by that, Novak was all praise for fellow semi-finalist Alexander Zverev. Speaking of the same in his post-match presentation, he said, “The bigger the challenge, more the glory in overcoming…”

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Novak’s history with the German young gun is all bitter and not sweet. Notably, Alexander knocked Novak out of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in thrilling fashion. As a result, the Serbian returned home empty-handed from a tournament he was predicted to be successful at.

via Reuters

Ahead of their mighty clash now, Novak fans fear the chance of a huge upset. Can the Olympic gold medalist once again ruin the Serb’s journey to history?

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