'Hopefully, I’ll make her smile when she wakes up': Novak Djokovic does K-pop Demon Hunters dance in birthday present to daughter after Fritz win

Novak Djokovic produced another display of resilience at the US Open, overcoming Taylor Fritz in four tight sets to secure his place in the semifinals. The Serbian admitted he wasn’t always at his best, but found a way to come through in the key moments of an intense and competitive battle.

Djokovic won through 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 at the US Open and sets up a blockbuster showdown with a certain Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals as he reaches yet another semi-final. For someone who is described as being on their way out by some people, he certainly isn't going quietly. He also on court paid tribute to his daughter who celebrates her birthday today by performing a K-pop Demon Hunters Dance.

He said that his daughter taught him to dance and he has been learning the choreography so he hopes he made her smile when she wakes up. But he was also in disbelief at how he managed to pull off the victory. This despite his record over Fritz being perfect and he is often the thorn in the side of the American who just can't find a way through.

He fails to defend his final run from 12 months ago with Djokovic being that roadblock again and he could be the roadblock to another Sinalcaraz final at Flushing Meadows.

“To be honest, I don’t know,” Djokovic said when asked how he pulled off the victory. “It was an incredibly close match. It was really anybody’s match. I thought I was lucky to save some crucial break points in the second set. For most of the second and third sets, he was the better player. In matches like this, a few points decide the winner, and fortunately they came on my side, particularly at the end of the fourth.”

The match concluded in dramatic fashion, with Fritz double-faulting on match point. Djokovic acknowledged the harsh ending for his opponent. “That last game was nerve-wracking, honestly. A tough one for Taylor to finish with a double-fault — he didn’t deserve that. But a great fight and a great tournament for him, for sure.”

Fritz had looked in control during the third set, but Djokovic found a way to respond. “I didn’t feel like I was dominating today from the back of the court. In many of my service games, I was just trying to stay alive, fight for every ball. He was aggressive, staying close to the line — not easy to play him. He’s been playing some really good tennis this week,” Djokovic explained.

“But at the end of the day, the win matters. I’m really proud of the fight I put in. I wear my heart on my sleeve always for this sport, so I’m still enjoying it.”