Novak Djokovic has his eyes set on another Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open.
While the Serbian has failed to reach the final of one of the four majors this year, Djokovic made the semi-finals at Wimbledon, the Australian Open, and the French Open.
Standing in his way of making it four semi-finals from four at the US Open is American World No. 4, Taylor Fritz.
At 38 years of age and with injury issues eating away at him during his run at Flushing Meadows thus far, Djokovic will want to avoid any drama on court, especially that which he experienced in 2020.
Novak Djokovic will ‘never forget’ hitting a line judge with a ball at the 2020 US Open
Djokovic entered the 2020 US Open as the overwhelming favourite.
World No. 1 at the time, the 24-time Grand Slam winner had already won the Australian Open that year, and later reached the final of the French Open as well.
Unable to compete at Wimbledon because of the cancellation of the tournament due to COVID-19, the Serbian travelled to New York eager to claim the final Grand Slam on the calendar.
Dropping just one set on his way to the fourth round, Djokovic was well on his way to achieving what he had set out to do.
However, it all changed for then 33-year-old at the end of the first set against Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta.
After having his serve broken, Djokovic took a ball from his pocket and hit it behind him in frustration.
Unbeknownst to him, he directed it towards a line judge, hitting her in the throat.
While extremely apologetic, it was an action that saw Djokovic disqualified from the tournament.
Reflecting on the incident in the days after, one of tennis’ greatest ever players opened up on his feelings.
As relayed by BBC Sport, Djokovic said: “I felt really sorry to cause the shock and drama to her.
“It was totally unexpected and very unintended but, when you hit the ball like that, you have a chance to hit somebody that is on the court. I accepted it and I had to move on.”
It was here that Djokovic gave an insight into his main takeaway from the matter, adding: “Of course I didn’t forget about it, I don’t think I’ll ever forget about it.”
Novak Djokovic’s imperious record against Taylor Fritz
With hindsight, the rise of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner means the 2020 US Open was a major missed opportunity for the Serbian to claim another Grand Slam title.
Yet, returning to the present, Djokovic has another brilliant chance at this year’s tournament.
He holds a 10-0 record against Fritz, his quarter-final opponent.
Yes, Sinner and Alcaraz are still in the draw, and both men are playing some scintillating tennis.
However, Djokovic has already beaten Alcaraz at a Grand Slam this season, and he would meet the Spaniard in the semi-finals, should he come through his quarter-final against Jiri Lehecka.
That would leave Sinner in the final (again, should the Italian make it). While the Italian beat Djokovic at the French Open and SW19, it would be foolish to write the Serbian off in a Grand Slam final, especially one where he can make history.