{"id":291162,"date":"2023-09-04T06:35:22","date_gmt":"2023-09-04T06:35:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportstons.com\/?p=291162"},"modified":"2023-09-04T06:35:22","modified_gmt":"2023-09-04T06:35:22","slug":"novak-djokovic-eases-into-57th-grand-slam-quarter-final","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportstons.com\/tennis\/novak-djokovic-eases-into-57th-grand-slam-quarter-final\/","title":{"rendered":"Novak Djokovic eases into 57th grand slam quarter-final"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Novak Djokovic strolled into the last eight of the US Open with a three-set win over Croatian qualifier Borna Gojo.<\/p>\n
Djokovic is now one behind Roger Federer\u2019s record of 58 grand slam quarter-finals after a 6-2 7-5 6-4 victory.<\/p>\n
The Serbian second seed got himself out of a minor pickle at 2-0 down in the second set, breaking back and dropping just four points in his next six service games.<\/p>\n
A break to love in the third finished 6ft 5in Gojo off with Djokovic going through in two hours and 25 minutes.<\/p>\n
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Djokovic, bidding for a 24th grand slam title, said: \u201cI knew Borna has a big game. I saw that he played well in the qualifying round.<\/p>\n
\u201cI saw that he\u2019s a big-shot player, his serve and forehand are big weapons, he moves pretty well for a big guy, so the key points for me were to neutralise his serve.\u201d<\/p>\n
Djokovic has had a very agreeable draw in New York but he faces American ninth seed Taylor Fritz on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cYou know, obviously the matches are only going to get tougher from now onwards, and I\u2019m ready.\u201d<\/p>\n
Big-serving Ben Shelton blew away fellow American Tommy Paul to lead the home charge into the quarter-finals.<\/p>\n
The 20-year-old from Atlanta fired down two 149mph serves in one game on his way to a 6-4 6-3 4-6 6-4 victory.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it was straight adrenaline,\u201d he said. \u201cIn any other atmosphere I don\u2019t think I could get it done. I think my arm would fall off, but it\u2019s feeling good right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
The record fastest serve at the US Open is still held by Andy Roddick, who hit a 152mph thunderbolt on his way to the title in 2003 \u2013 the last time an American man won their home slam.<\/p>\n
It was sweet revenge for Shelton, who was knocked out by Paul at the same stage of the Australian Open in January.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cI really learned how to be mentally tough. When I was playing in Australia after a long week, I was looking at my box saying \u2018my legs are dead, I\u2019m tired, I can\u2019t go anymore\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cI realised how important it is to believe in myself, believe that I can go all the way, the full distance emotionally and physically and now I have that belief here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Shelton will play 10th seed Frances Tiafoe, guaranteeing at least one American man in the semi-finals.<\/p>\n
Tiafoe beat Australian wild card Rinky Hijikata in straight sets, 6-4 6-1 6-4.<\/p>\n
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\u201cIt\u2019s a shame that two of us have to play in the quarter-finals. Maybe we could have three in the semis,\u201d added Shelton.<\/p>\n
Fritz beat Dominic Stricker of Switzerland in three sets to make the last eight at Flushing Meadows for the first time.<\/p>\n