Two-time champion Novak Djokovic ended John Millman's fairytale US Open run on Wednesday, beating the 55th-ranked Australian in straight sets to book a semi-final clash with Kei Nishikori.
The Serbian star, who ended a 54-week title drought with his 13th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, defeated the tenacious Aussie 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 to reach his 11th US Open semi-final in his last 11 appearances.
He lifted the trophy in 2011 and 2015.
Nishikori, the 21st seed, advanced with a 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-4 victory over Marin Cilic -- the man who beat him in the 2014 final.
Millman, who stunned five-time champion Roger Federer in the fourth round, kept Djokovic running -- and was kept running himself -- for 2 hours 49 minutes on another hot, humid night on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
"You survive on the court then thrive with a win," said Djokovic, who converted just four of his 20 break points and made 53 unforced errors before he was finally able to accomplish what Federer couldn't in seeing off Millman.
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"Very tested," said Djokovic, who admitted that like many he was surprised to find himself facing Millman, not Federer, across the net.
"But Millman is the kind of a player that makes you miss the balls, makes you win the point, earn the point.
"He doesn't miss a lot himself, so he just runs left, right, gets a lot of balls. Tactically, you've got to find the right balance between being patient but constructive in the point, but at the same time, be aggressive and take the chance when you have a shorter ball. It's easier said than done."
- Nishikori goes the distance -
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