Novak Djokovic is into his tenth US Open final after defeating Ben Shelton 6-3 6-2 7-6(4).
The Serb’s quest for a 24th Grand Slam title continues after neutralising the powerful American for a straight sets win.
Djokovic will now have a blockbuster showdown with rival Carlos Alcaraz or the last person he played in a US Open final in Daniil Medvedev.
Both players brought their A game in the early stages with Shelton unafraid by the occasion as he pummelled serves and forehands past Djokovic.
Meanwhile the three-time champion responded with aggressive shot-making from the baseline and consistent defensive shots.
After an equal start, Djokovic used his experience to test the American’s nerves in the sixth game with Shelton ultimately faltering as he conceded the break to 15.
The soon-to-be world number one wasn’t done there as he threatened the double break in his next return game.
However Shelton refused to back down as not only did he hold in the eighth game but had break point when Djokovic served for the opening set as he played some ruthless tennis.
The American missed a forehand into the net, to his frustration, and ultimately Djokovic survived to take the opening set 6-3 which culminated in a massive roar to his team.
In the second set, Djokovic created six break points and faced no resistance from the American who continued to produce unforced errors.
The Serb’s depth and pace was too much for Shelton as he converted two of those break points to take a 5-2 lead.
Djokovic comfortably served out the second set with ease and started the third set with an immediate break of serve.
Despite being outclassed for most of the match Shelton did impress Djokovic on occasions as the American produced some impressive power from the baseline and some high-quality play at the net which Djokovic acknowledged.
As the match neared its conclusion, Shelton played with more and more freedom while Djokovic was a bit more passive with his play as the American was allowed to play powerful tennis.
That would cost Djokovic as some missed first serves and unforced errors saw Shelton break back in the eighth game for 4-4.
The complexity of the match had changed as Djokovic started to miss first serves with Shelton having a couple of set points in the tenth game.
However Shelton was made to pay for his missed opportunities as a poor service game in the eleventh game allowed Djokovic to break and serve out the match for a second time.
There would be another twist in the tale as Djokovic lost focus in the crucial moments and on Shelton’s third break point of the game a missed smash into the net from the Serb saw the American break as Djokovic failed to convert match point.
In the end, Djokovic’s passive play didn’t matter too much as he was clinical in the tiebreak as he reached his tenth US Open final where he will play one of the former champions from the past two years in either Carlos Alcaraz or Daniil Medvedev.
