Novak Djokovic said he is hopeful he will be fit enough to put up a proper fight against Carlos Alcaraz after setting up a titanic US Open semi-final with the Spaniard.

The 38-year-old Serbian star kept his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam on track with a four-set win over fourth seed Taylor Fritz on Tuesday.

Djokovic's 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 victory over the last American left in the men's draw sent him into a record-equalling 14th US Open semi-final.

He will now have two precious days of recovery time to prepare for a highly-anticipated tussle with the red-hot Alcaraz on Friday.

"It's not going to get easier. I tell you that," said Djokovic.

"The next couple of days is really key for me to really get my body in shape and ready to battle five sets if it's needed.

"I just would really lo

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