US Open 2013: Novak Djokovic overcomes Mikhail Youzhny to set up semi-final clash with Stanislas Wawrinka
Novak Djokovic celebrate’s victory over Mikhail Youzhny (Getty Images)
World number one Novak Djokovic dropped his first set of the tournament in his US Open quarter-final match against Mikhail Youzhny. Djokovic won 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-0 in the night session at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York last night to reach his 7th consecutive US Open semi-final.
The 3rd set, taken by Youzhny, was only the second time in the tournament that Djokovic lost more than three games in a set.
Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny proved to be Djokovic’s sternest test of the tournament so far, and it took the Serb two hours and 34 minutes to book his place in the semi-final against an in-form Stanislas Wawrinka, who upset Britain’s 3rd seed and defending US Open champion Andy Murray in straight sets.
“It was never going to be an easy match against Mikhail in the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam, and I was aware of his qualities and ability to come back,” said Djokovic.
“After I lost the third set I definitely tried to regroup and focus on every point individually and start playing the same game that I had in first two sets.
“It was important to get the early break in the fourth. I have done that, and after that I really felt a big relief on the court and just went for my shots and played great.”
Djokovic looked set to cruise through to the semi-finals without dropping a set but a determined Youzhny wasn’t about to go down without a fight.
Djokovic found himself saving a break point early on in the first set but fought back before breaking the 31-year old Russian’s serve before going on to win the set.
Djokovic then broke Youzhny twice in the second set as he took it 6-2. Youzhny then took the Arthur Ashe stadium by surprise as he roared to a 4-1 lead and then managed to stave off a Djokovic comeback when the Serb uncharacteristically double faulted to give Youzhny a second break.
Djokovic made 16 unforced errors in the 3rd set, but upped his game immensely in the 4th set as he took it 6-0 with ten winners, without giving Youzhny a sniff of a chance.
“I have been very satisfied with my performances overall in the whole tournament so far,” Djokovic added.
“And even tonight, even though I dropped a set, I feel I was in control of the whole set. I played great.
“To finish off the match with a 6-0 win against Youzhny, it’s definitely encouraging for me for the next challenge.”