In a night filled with high stakes and heartfelt celebration, Novak Djokovic secured his spot in the US Open semifinals with a four-set victory that also served as a birthday gift for his daughter. Afterward, his wife, Jelena Djokovic, celebrated the win in a special way that captured the tennis world’s attention.
How Did Novak Djokovic and His Wife Celebrate the Victory?
Djokovic defeated Taylor Fritz 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 in the quarterfinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium, extending his head-to-head record against the American to a perfect 11-0. Throughout the match, Djokovic saved 11 of the 13 break points he faced. While Fritz managed to capture the third set 6-3, Djokovic ultimately sealed the win in the fourth when Fritz double-faulted on match point.
Following the win, Djokovic acknowledged the match’s intensity, calling it “incredibly close” and noting that Fritz played better during parts of the second and third sets. After clinching the decisive break, Djokovic surprised the crowd by breaking into a dance to his daughter’s favorite K-pop hit, “Soda Pop.”
In his on-court interview, the 24-time Grand Slam champion explained the sweet reason behind the celebration. “It’s 20 minutes to midnight here, 2nd September. It’s my daughter’s birthday, so this is a big present for her,” he said.
Meanwhile, the 24-time Grand Slam winner’s wife, Jelena, immediately shared her delight on Instagram. She posted a clip of Novak’s dance and wrote, “Awwwww My little soda pop!!! ❤️ 🥳🥳 idemoooo hahaha.”
With this latest victory, Djokovic advanced to his record-setting 53rd career Grand Slam semifinal. This was his 14th US Open quarterfinal appearance, tying him with Jimmy Connors for the most by any man.
The Serb’s path through Flushing Meadows has been marked by dominance, as he has shown a 70% win rate on service points and 76% success on first serves throughout the tournament.
MORE: Novak Djokovic Involved in Controversy As He Engages in Fiery Exchange With Chair Umpire Over Disturbing US Open Crowd
On Saturday, Djokovic will face second-seed Carlos Alcaraz in what promises to be a marquee matchup. The Spaniard, who was the 2022 US Open champion, brings youthful power and a recent title at Roland Garros into their rivalry.
Djokovic leads their head-to-head series 5-3 overall, and it is tied at 2-2 in Grand Slam events, though they have never faced each other at the US Open. The contrast in their styles, with Djokovic’s tactical court coverage against Alcaraz’s explosive athleticism, sets the stage for an electrifying semifinal showdown.