US Open 2023: Novak Djokovic beats Borna Gojo to qualify for quarterfinals

Novak Djokovic continued his march in the ongoing US Open 2023, beating Croatia’s Borna Gojo in straight sets of the fourth round to make his way into the 57th Grand Slam quarterfinal. Djokovic bested the 25-year-old by 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 to advance through at the New York Major.

The Serbian took the first set convincingly by 6-2 but had to battle hard in the next two sets. However, the World No.1 was delighted after finishing the game in straight sets after battling for five sets against compatriot Laslo Djere in the third round.

Djokovic revealed his plan was to neutralize Borna Gojo’s big serve and make as many returns as possible. Gojo fired 14 aces as compared to Djokovic’s 12 but also made eight double faults.

”I knew that Borna had a big game, even though we hadn’t faced each other at the tour level,” Djokovic said. “I was watching him play qualifying and also the last couple of rounds of the main draw and I saw that he has big weapons with his serve and forehand and that he moves pretty well for a big guy. One of the keys to the match was to neutralise his serve, try to reduce the number of aces and winners from that shot.”

On the other hand, Djokovic will take on Taylor Fritz in the all-important quarterfinal. Fritz has been in good form and Djokovic understands that the matches are going to get tougher from this stage onwards.

“Taylor has been an established Top 10 player for the past couple of years and he’s been playing some terrific tennis, particularly on home soil in hard-court tournaments here in the States,” Djokovic said. “He’s improved so much over the years. Obviously, the matches will only get tougher from here onwards, and I’m ready for the challenge.”

Novak Djokovic is chasing his 24th Grand Slam title and his fourth at Flushing Meadows.