Djokovic will now face Monfils, who has advanced to his first Grand Slam semi-final since 2008, and will enter as heavy favourite, having won each of their last 12 meetings.
Advertisement
Defending champion Novak Djokovic has made it into the semi-finals of the US Open after his opponent Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was forced to retire through injury.
When Jo-Wilfried Tsonga retired trailing the world No. 1 in Tuesday’s quarterfinals 6-3 6-2, it marked the third time during the tournament that Djokovic benefited from a walkover or retirement.
“I have to say it again, I really wish Jo a quick recovery”, said Djokovic, who is through to his 10th consecutive semi-final in NY. I’m grateful for time to recover.
“I think I’m very blessed genetically”, Monfils said.
“I really don’t want to be someone who says ‘I’m retiring, ‘ then, after two weeks, ‘No, I’m not retiring.’ ‘I’m retiring.’ ‘I’m not.’ I don’t know”.
“When I don’t have my knee, down 2-0, it’s important to save what I can save”, Tsonga said.
However, with Djokovic playing little tennis so far in this tournament, it could be the ideal opportunity for the Brit to build up a good head of steam and blow aside a stuttering Djokovic if the two do meet in the final on Sunday.
“I always say if I have the ball I do it because I love it”, Monfils said. The 10th seed had earlier beaten compatriot Lucas Pouille 6-4 6-3 6-3.
However, despite saving two break points in the very next game, Djokovic broke once more and was now serving for the set.
The German second seed showed remarkable powers of resilience to retrieve three breaks of serve against Italian 33-year-old Vinci in the first set. “I can only wish my opponents a speedy recovery”.
“I put myself in a position again to be one match away from the finals”, said Djokovic, who won the Open in 2011 and ’15 and is seeking his 13th career Grand Slam crown.
His build-up to the final Grand Slam of the year was hampered by a wrist injury, and he received treatment on his arm during both his first and fourth-round matches.
In the remaining two quarterfinals to be played out today, third seed Swiss ace Stanislas Wawrinka is scheduled to take on wildcard Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro while second seed Andy Murray shall lock horns against Japanese ace Kei Nishikori.
In the second quarterfinal, two times US Open finalist Caroline Wozniacki registered a comfortable 6-0, 6-2 straight sets victory over surprise quarterfinalist Anastasija Sevastova.
It was the first time in 89 years that three French men had reached the quarter-finals of the United States championships.
But 12-time major victor Djokovic failed to capitalise and the Frenchman immediately struck back after the Serb missed a sitter at the net. Monfils, Pouille and Tsonga gave France a trio of quarterfinalists at the American Grand Slam tournament for the first time in 89 years. Kerber holds a 7-5 career record over Wozniacki.
That is the first set Williams has lost in five matches at Flushing Meadows this year.
Advertisement
Who will win this year’s US Open?
