NEW YORK -- Novak Djokovic didn't try to keep his thoughts to hisself on Saturday as he did during his two previous US Open matches. Instead, he let his emotions out and slapped his chest, or made a mockery of himself, raising his fist to celebrate his success, then pointing to his ears to ask the crowd for their opinions.
This was Djokovic the public is used to seeing. He won on the Grand Slam stage as he has in the past, but he was also animated and enthusiastic, inviting the audience to follow him on his journey to tennis history.
Djokovic took another step to achieve the first calendar-year Slam by an American man in over 50 years. He reached Flushing Meadows' fourth round and defeated Kei Nishikori 7-6 (4), 6-3. 6-3.
Nishikori said that Djokovic was impossible to overcome. "He's very strong 'til it ends.
Djokovic is the 34-year old from Serbia, who is currently ranked No. 1. is currently ranked No. 24-0 in four of the most important sporting events in this season's sport, having won the Australian Open in Feb, the French Open June, and Wimbledon July. Rod Laver was the last man to win 4-4 at majors in 1969. Steffi Graf was the last female in 1988.
Djokovic would win four more matches next Wednesday, and he would also be awarded his 21st career Slam trophy. This would break the men's record he shares with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.
Djokovic lost his US Open run last year in the fourth round after he failed to hit a ball after he had conceded a game and accidentally hit a line judge in his throat. Djokovic's trip to New York in 2019 was also ended by an injury.
Next up is a match against Jenson Brooksby, a 20-year-old American wild card entry, or Aslan Karatsev (21st seed), who was a semifinalist in the Australian Open.
On a sunny Saturday, No. 13 Jannik Sinner -- They gave Italy a pair in the US Open's round of 16 for only the second time in its 140-year history. The night session was to feature Alexander Zverev, Tokyo Games men's champion.
Djokovic defeated two inexperienced opponents, ranked 121st & 145th. Then, Djokovic met Nishikori, who had a much better record and was the runner up at the 2014 US Open. He has also been as high as No. 4. This was however the problem for Nishikori going into this encounter. He had lost 16 of his previous matches against Djokovic.
To loud cheers from Arthur Ashe Stadium's stands, Nishikori took the first set. The march to No. 17 consecutive games were soon underway.
"I don’t think I started very well. I was very passive. I was too far back at the court. Djokovic stated that he was dictating play. "He played faster and more aggressively than my opponents in round one.
Djokovic committed 20 errors in the first set. He then made an average of 10 1/2 errors per set over the three sets that followed. Djokovic had a record 15 aces, dropped serve twice and broke Nishikori seven times.
Djokovic responded to crucial moments with joy. This was a response that elicited similar reactions from his fans, who were banned from the tournament in 2020 due to the coronavirus epidemic. He broke to lead 2-1 after winning a great point that saw both men close the net. He spun around, his mouth open, and shouted, "Come on!" His wife Jelena stood in his guest box and shouted "Come on!"
Djokovic saved a break point during the third set. He reached for his right ear and wiggled his fingers, signaling that he wanted louder cheers. He snorted, "Ooh!" as he broke to make it 5-3. He rubbed his forehead three times to react to a netted drop shot, then he shouted "Ooh!" when he took the set.
Djokovic described Djokovic's improved play over the match, which lasted for more than 3 1/2 hours as "getting that rhythm back and getting that groove." Djokovic may be feeling more comfortable heading into Week 2 on hard courts. He looked very comfortable Saturday.
"Maybe," Nishikori suggested, "he feels that inside -- a lot pressure -- but that I couldn't see during the match."
This report was contributed by The Associated Press.
