NEW YORK — Novak Djokovic is again within the U.S. Open closing for a record-tying tenth time after a 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (4) victory Friday over unseeded American Ben Shelton at a event the 23-time Grand Slam champion missed final 12 months as a result of he isn't vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19.

Shelton made issues fascinating within the third set, lifting his degree of play as Djokovic appeared to get a bit tight because the end line approached. Shelton broke twice, even held a set level at 5-4 and erased a match level on the best way to forcing the concluding tiebreaker. But Djokovic pulled out the win there, then mimicked Shelton’s “Hang up the phone!” celebration gesture.

Djokovic, a 36-year-old from Serbia, will search a fourth trophy from Flushing Meadows on Sunday and could be the oldest man to win the occasion within the Open period, which started in 1968. In the ultimate, he'll face both defending champion Carlos Alcaraz - who defeated Djokovic for the Wimbledon title in July - or 2021 U.S. Open champ Daniil Medvedev.

If Djokovic does find yourself leaving with the {hardware}, he would break a tie with Serena Williams for essentially the most main singles championships within the Open period.

Regardless of Sunday’s opponent or final result, No. 2 seed Djokovic will substitute No. 1 Alcaraz atop the ATP rankings on Monday.

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