Novak Djokovic destroys Struff to reach US Open quarterfinals for 14th time - prepares for Fritz showdown

Novak Djokovic continues his flawless US Open campaign, reaching the quarterfinals after a comfortable 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 victory over Jan-Lennard Struff. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has advanced to the Flushing Meadows quarterfinals for the 14th time in his career after his most convincing performance of the tournament so far.

While it may not be a surprise to see Djokovic in the second week of the US Open, his opponent, the current world No. 144 and a qualifier, was an unexpected presence. Struff had taken down major contenders like Holger Rune (11th seed) and Frances Tiafoe (17th seed).

However, he could do little against Djokovic, who secured a straight-sets win in less than two hours, guaranteeing his 64th appearance in a Grand Slam quarterfinal—simply stunning numbers for the Serbian.

Djokovic has also reached the quarterfinals in 16 of the 17 Grand Slam tournaments he has participated in since the start of 2021, winning 7 titles and reaching the finals of three others. His next opponent will be none other than Taylor Fritz—the tournament's 2024 runner-up—who has reached the top eight for the third consecutive year.

First Set

Djokovic started his performance on Arthur Ashe Stadium with an especially dominant display, taking advantage of his opportunities. Two consecutive breaks on his first three opportunities—along with impeccable service games—gave him a comfortable 4-0 lead and set the tone for a match where he never looked to be in trouble from the German.

Struff's experience had been key to winning difficult matches in previous rounds, as he stayed solid on his serve for long periods. However, this time he started hesitantly, with only a 46% first-serve percentage throughout the first set, compared to Djokovic's 61%. The German managed to get one of the breaks back to narrow the gap, but "Nole" stayed ahead, closing out the first set 6-3 after 43 minutes.

Second Set

The second set started more evenly, with both players holding their service games without issues. The match reached the middle of the set without a single break point for either side, and Struff was winning his service games with ease. In fact, the 35-year-old was on a streak of 11 consecutive points on his serve up until 3-3, giving Djokovic no chances on the return.

The 24-time major champion patiently waited for his opportunity and stayed solid on his serve to keep pace with Struff. Then the Serbian's first chance came, and with the crowd's support, he got the break to take the lead. Djokovic took over in the final part of the set, winning 16 of the last 20 points played and taking four games in a row before closing out the set 6-3.

Third Set

With a two-set lead, it seemed almost impossible to turn the score around against Djokovic. The Serbian read the momentum of the match perfectly and took control of the third set with an early break that gave him a 3-0 lead amid his strong service games. The Serbian won seven games in a row before Struff was finally able to hold his serve again in the fourth game of the third set.

While Struff played well in the final part of the match—without facing any more break points—he could do nothing on the return. Djokovic took the lead with effective serves until 5-2 and put the pressure on his opponent. Struff's serve faltered, and Djokovic got one last break to seal the victory.

Match Statistics Djokovic vs. Struff

It was a dominant 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 victory for Djokovic in just 1 hour and 51 minutes. He hit 12 aces to his opponent's six and won 79% of his first-serve points. The Serbian once again showed that he can keep his serve under pressure, saving the only break point he faced while also converting 6 of 8 break points in his favor.

The world No. 7 is preparing for a bigger challenge against the local favorite Taylor Fritz, the last American left in the draw. In 10 previous matchups, all have been victories for Djokovic, including a quarterfinal clash at the 2023 US Open. Will this be the time that Fritz can break his losing streak against the multi-Grand Slam champion?