![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/130977846_novak-696x392.jpg\" "\\"_130977846_novak\\"\/")
\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Novak Djokovic enjoyed a smooth passage into the US Open quarter-finals as he won in straight sets to end Croatian qualifier Borna Gojo\u2019s surprise run.<\/p>\n
Second seed Djokovic continued his bid for a record-equalling 24th major title with a 6-2 7-5 6-4 win in New York.<\/p>\n
\u201cI did well in the important moments and I\u2019m pleased to get through in three sets,\u201d said three-time winner Djokovic.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The 36-year-old Serb will play ninth seed\u00a0Taylor Fritz,<\/strong>\u00a0who is one of three American men in the quarter-finals.<\/p>\n Fritz, 25, won 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-4 against Swiss qualifier Dominic Stricker, joining\u00a0Frances Tiafoe<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Ben Shelton<\/strong>\u00a0in progressing on Sunday.<\/p>\n Tiafoe, 25, beat Australia\u2019s Rinky Hijikata 6-4 6-1 6-4 to set up a last-eight meeting with Shelton, guaranteeing at least one home player in the semi-finals.<\/p>\n Shelton, 20, beat 14th seed Tommy Paul 6-4 6-3 4-6 6-4 as three American men reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 2005.<\/p>\n Fritz, Tiafoe and Shelton are each bidding to become the first man from the host nation to win the singles title since Andy Roddick in 2003.<\/p>\n In order for Fritz to emulate Roddick, he will have to find a way past Djokovic first.<\/p>\n Djokovic reached a 57th major quarter-final, leaving him one adrift of Roger Federer\u2019s record in the Open era, with a routine victory over 105th-ranked Gojo.<\/p>\n The manner of the win was the polar opposite to the fightback from two sets down which he had to perform against fellow Serb Laslo Djere in the previous round.<\/p>\n Djokovic did not concede a breakpoint to US Open debutant Gojo in the opening set but lost his serve for 2-0 in the second by planting a volley into the net.<\/p>\n However, 25-year-old Gojo was unable to consolidate. The big-serving Croat hit five double faults as he handed over the game without making Djokovic apply any real pressure.<\/p>\n Djokovic continued to nullify Gojo and smartly took care of his own service games, breaking three more times as Gojo became increasingly weary and took a third match point with an ace out wide.<\/p>\n \u201cI knew Borna has a big game and is a big-shot player. One of the keys to the match was to reduce his serve and stop the aces,\u201d said Djokovic.<\/p>\n \u201cI tried to manage my energy and focus on accuracy with my serve.<\/p>\n \u201cThe matches are obviously going to get tougher but I\u2019m ready.\u201d<\/p>\n Shelton hopes he can inspire young people to \u201cdevelop a passion for tennis\u201d after an impressive win over Paul which featured two 149mph serves.<\/p>\n The pair of aces were just short of the tournament-record 152mph thunderbolt which Roddick hit on his way to the title 20 years ago.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not just a tennis player. I don\u2019t just put on a show on the court or win a lot of matches,\u201d Shelton said.<\/p>\n \u201cI treat people the right way and make an impact on a lot of young kids.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope there\u2019s a lot of young people in the crowd that develop a passion for tennis when they watch me play.\u201d<\/p>\n On the 149mph serves, he added: \u201cThat\u2019s cool, but I\u2019m also not out there to chase the miles per hour. I\u2019m trying to effectively hold serve.<\/p>\n \u201cIt hurt me a little bit today hitting 149, 141 and then 149 again. I got broken my next two games. Sometimes when I\u2019m chasing a number or I try to hit harder than is within myself, it messes up my rhythm.\u201d<\/p>\n Shelton\u2019s style seems made to inspire and, after overcoming a nervy start that saw him quickly go 3-0 down in the first set, his power and relentless desire to take the aggressive option quickly got the New York crowd on side.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t deny that presence. It rubs off on anyone,\u201d said tennis correspondent Russell Fuller on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019d have to be a cynical old hack if you weren\u2019t moved by the way Ben Shelton plays tennis. He plays with such a smile on his face.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\u2018Ready\u2019 Djokovic lies in wait for American trio<\/h3>\n
Smiling Shelton wants to inspire young fans<\/h3>\n
![\"Ben](\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/_130977480_gettyimages-1657568463.jpg\")