Novak Djokovic became the oldest US Open men’s quarterfinalist since Jimmy Connors back in 1991. He defeated Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 in the fourth round Sunday night to accomplish the feat.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is seeking a fifth US Open title and looks to be rounding into form the last two matches.
Connors was 39 years old when he made his memorable run to the semifinals. Djokovic is currently 38 years and four months old.
“I remember that run — I mean, I was very, very young so I don’t avidly remember it when it was happening — but in the years to come when I was watching a lot of tennis, everyone was talking about that run being one of the most historic runs we had in this sport at any Slam,” Djokovic said. “Jimmy Connors being one of the greatest tennis players of all time, greatest legends generally, globally, but particularly this tournament. He’s won it, what, like five times? He’s fired up the New York crowd like no other player has done in his career.
“To be in the same discussion or the same conversation with Jimmy is obviously a great a huge honor of mine.”
To match Connors’ semifinal performance, Djokovic will have to find a way past last year’s finalist Taylor Fritz. The American defeated Tomas Machac 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in his fourth-round match.
What Was Connors’ Run In 1991 Like?
We know it’s something special we’re witnessing since it hasn’t been done in 34 years.
Back in ’91, Connors’ run included defeating the likes of Patrick McEnroe, Karol Novacek (11th seed), and Paul Haarhuis. He needed five sets to get past the first and fourth round, the latter including a final set tie break.
His magical run was ended by fifth-seeded Jim Courier in straight sets in the semifinals.
Djokovic’s tournament thus far has included defeating 35th ranked Cameron Norrie and a couple Americans in the first two rounds. Fritz will be the first seeded player he faces this tournament.
Though the Serbian is seeded seventh and Fritz fourth, he is the betting favorite holding a 10-0 head-to-head record.
