Serbian star Novak Djokovic faced a tough test from Taylor Fritz early Wednesday at the US Open but managed to overcome critical moments and capitalize on the American player’s missed opportunities to continue his pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title and extend his record.

The 38-year-old, who has won the New York title four times, defeated last year’s runner-up with scores of 6-3, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, improving his perfect head-to-head record against Fritz to 11-0.

Djokovic said in an on-court interview, as reported by the ATP website: “An incredibly close match, it was a match anyone could really have won. I think I was lucky to save some crucial break points in the second set. I think for most of the second and third sets, he was the better player. In this kind of match, a few points determine the winner.”

Djokovic will face Spanish player Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals, leading their head-to-head 5-3, including wins in their last two meetings. Friday will mark their first encounter at Flushing Meadows.

He added: “I didn’t feel in control today from the baseline. In many of my service games, I was just trying to survive and fight for every ball. He was aggressive; he’s not easy to play against. Ultimately, winning is what matters, and I’m really proud of the fight I gave. I always put my heart into this sport, and I still enjoy it.”

Djokovic now equals Jimmy Connors’ record for the most US Open semifinal appearances (14) and has reached the semifinals in all four Grand Slam tournaments this season for the seventh time in his career.

According to Opta statistics, Djokovic achieved his ninth victory against a top-five seed at the US Open, a tournament record since 1973, tied with Ivan Lendl, Pete Sampras, and Roger Federer.

Djokovic now holds a 38-1 win-loss record against any opponent in his home country at a Grand Slam tournament, with the sole loss coming against Andy Murray in the 2013 Wimbledon final.

At 38 years and 94 days old, Djokovic is the oldest player in the modern era to reach the semifinals of all Grand Slam tournaments in a single season.