Novak Djokovic booked his place in the US Open semifinals with a hard-fought victory on Arthur Ashe Stadium, but his win delivered more than just tennis drama.
Alongside the cheers for his quarterfinal triumph, the tennis world witnessed a heartwarming message from former world No. 1 Monica Seles and fresh speculation about Djokovic’s coaching future that has fans buzzing.
What Did Monica Seles Say to Novak Djokovic?
Facing Taylor Fritz in a late-night quarterfinal clash, Djokovic took the opening two sets 6-3, 7-5 before dropping the third 3-6. He closed out the match 6-4 in the fourth set, ending a three-and-a-half-hour battle to extend his perfect head-to-head record against Fritz to 11–0.
At 38 years and 94 days old, Djokovic became the oldest man in the Open Era to reach the semifinals of all four majors in a single season. He also tied Jimmy Connors for the most US Open semifinal appearances (14) in tournament history.
Shortly after the victory, Djokovic posted on social media, “For Tara. Soda popping into semifinal,” celebrating both his win and his daughter’s birthday. Seles replied with a simple “Bravoooooo 💪,” offering her congratulations and sparking excitement among fans who recall her own storied career.
Bravoooooo 💪
— Monica Seles (@MonicaSeles10s) September 3, 2025
That exchange came amid growing talk that Djokovic may add Seles to his coaching team. When asked about finding a new coach to replace Dušan Vemić, Djokovic smiled and said, “These are just initial talks, and it’s more about the emotional aspect than a long-term partnership. If it even happens… We’ve had some interesting conversations.”
His reference to early discussions and emotional ties pointed many to Seles, whom Djokovic has long admired as a childhood hero. Seles won nine Grand Slams and spent 178 weeks ranked No. 1 before retiring in 2008, and she shares a deep personal connection to Djokovic through his early coach, Jelena Genčić.
How Does This Historic Run Set Up Djokovic’s Semifinal?
After victory, Djokovic surprised the crowd with a playful dance to “Soda Pop,” a K-pop hit taught by his eight-year-old daughter, Tara. The move quickly went viral, and his wife, Jelena Djokovic, posted the dance clip on Instagram. The light-hearted moment underscored the balance Djokovic strikes between fierce competition and family love.
This campaign in New York has already added to Djokovic’s record book. His win over Fritz marked his 53rd Grand Slam semifinal, the most in the Open Era. For the seventh time in his career, he became the oldest man to reach the final four at all four majors in one year.
2008: Novak Djokovic becomes the youngest player to reach the semifinals of all 4 Slams.
2025: Novak Djokovic becomes the oldest player to reach the semifinals of all 4 Slams
Timeless. pic.twitter.com/tUvLaRq0i7
— Danny (@DjokovicFan_) September 3, 2025
Next up for Djokovic is a rematch against world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz. The pair have split their four Grand Slam meetings, though Djokovic leads their overall head-to-head 5–3 and has won their past two matches.
