On daughter's birthday, Novak Djokovic turns US Open quarters win into a dance of love

Novak Djokovic danced to the tunes of Soda Pop from the popular Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters. While not quite as effortless as his movement on the tennis court, Djokovic made sure to give it his all, wiggling his body to the chartbuster that played in his mind. The special performance followed immediately after his quarter-final victory over fourth-seeded American Taylor Fritz on Wednesday, 3 September.

US Open quarterfinals highlights

At first, many in the crowd assumed the dance was a pointed message to those who had heckled him with rowdy behaviour during the match. However, Djokovic later clarified that it was in fact a heartfelt gesture for his daughter, Tara, who was celebrating her eighth birthday on the day of the big-ticket encounter.

“The dance at the end — she is going to rate me tomorrow. At home, we do different choreography. Hopefully it makes her smile when she wakes up tomorrow morning,” Djokovic explained, noting that he had moved to the rhythm of Soda Pop after the win over last year's runner-up.

The Serbian star, ranked World No. 7, appeared content with his four-set triumph over one of the tournament’s biggest local favourites. He wrapped up proceedings just 20 minutes before midnight in his hometown, where his daughter would soon begin her birthday celebrations. Djokovic did concede a set after a minor altercation with the crowd, but he quickly regained control to seal a 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 victory in three hours and 24 minutes.

Djokovic would have preferred to finish the job in three sets, but he will gladly take a four-set win over a marathon ahead of his semi-final clash with second seed Carlos Alcaraz.

DJOKOVIC KEEPS UP HIS PROMISE TO TARA

Djokovic had spoken about the pain of not being with his daughter on her birthday. However, the Serb had promised a quarter-final victory as her gift - and he duly delivered.

Having dismantled Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets in the Round of 16, Djokovic faced Taylor Fritz, who had been in fine form on the American hard courts. The American looked sharp in the opening exchanges, but Djokovic quickly established control in the first two sets.

The Serb surged to a 5-3 lead in the opening set but faltered briefly, offering Fritz three break points. The American, however, failed to convert them, allowing Djokovic to seal the set. In the second set too, Fritz created break-point opportunities, but once again he allowed Djokovic to escape, the Serb eventually taking it 7-5.

Backed by a vocal local crowd, Fritz would rue the missed chances. He converted only two of his 13 break points on Tuesday, a statistic that haunted him throughout the match.

Djokovic seemed on course for a straight-sets victory until he was rattled by the behaviour of the crowd. The Serb was visibly upset with a couple of fans who shouted out between points, calling for a longer contest. Djokovic walked up to the chair umpire to voice his displeasure with the lack of action against the unruly spectators. His concentration dipped, and he dropped the third set - much to the delight of the home supporters, who were eager to see Fritz extend the contest.

The fourth set turned into a fierce battle, with neither player yielding ground. Both held serve under pressure until Fritz, serving at 4-5 to stay in the match, cracked. The American saved two match points but succumbed to nerves with a costly double fault that handed Djokovic the victory.

"That last game was nerve-racking," said Djokovic. "Tough one for Taylor to finish with a double fault - he didn't deserve that. But it was a great fight and a great tournament for him.

"At the end of the day, winning matters and I'm really proud of the fight that I put in. I wear my heart on my sleeve for this sport and I'm still enjoying it."

Djokovic will now face a stern challenge against Carlos Alcaraz, against whom he holds a 5-3 head-to-head record, having won their last two encounters. Alcaraz booked his place in the semi-final after sweeping aside Jiri Lehecka in Tuesday afternoon's quarter-final, leaving him fresher for the blockbuster clash.

Later on Wednesday, defending champion and World No. 1 Jannik Sinner will take on compatriot Lorenzo Musetti in one quarter-final, while Felix Auger-Aliassime faces Alex de Minaur in the other.