Shanghai Masters: Novak Djokovic Advances to Semi-Finals Despite Physical Struggles

Novak Djokovic overcomes Zizou Bergs in thrilling Shanghai Masters match

Novak Djokovic secures a spot in the Shanghai Masters semi-finals after a hard-fought win over Zizou Bergs.

Novak Djokovic books place in Shanghai Masters semi-final after downing Zizou Bergs...

Novak Djokovic looked far from his best Thursday but dispatched Belgium's Zizou Bergs 6-3, 7-5 to set up a Shanghai Masters semi-final against tournament surprise package Valentin Vacherot.

The 38-year-old Serbian, the highest-ranking player left standing, is getting ever closer to a fifth title in the Chinese financial hub despite struggling physically throughout the week.

Next in the crosshairs of the 24-time Grand Slam champion is world number 204 Vacherot, a qualifier from Monaco who battled back from a set down to stun Holger Rune 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4.

 

NOVAK DJOKOVIC PULLS OFF THE IMPOSSIBLE@DjokerNole #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/MJXtXvtZoO

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“Maybe at times (I was) a little too passive but Zizou is a great player, a very talented player, he has some great shots,” Djokovic said.

“(Getting through) means the world.”

Novak Djokovic secured a hard-fought win against Zizou Bergs, despite struggling with health issues. Djokovic broke Bergs in the sixth game of the first set after an unforced error from the Belgian player, taking the set after a grueling battle.

The match took a dramatic turn as Djokovic, still recovering from a grueling match against Jaume Munar, showed signs of fatigue and heat exhaustion. He was seen taking a puff from an inhaler during a break, sparking concern among his team. Despite his physical struggles, Djokovic managed to break Bergs for a 5-4 lead in the second set. However, Bergs fought back, breaking Djokovic after a series of intense rallies that drew cheers from the crowd.

The crowd became electric as fans chanted "Novak! Novak!" and waved Serbian flags, prompting the umpire to repeatedly request silence. The atmosphere was intense, with spectators holding signs proclaiming “Novak is the GOAT.” When Djokovic broke again to lead 6-5, the stadium erupted in a frenzy of noise and color.

Novak Djokovic has reached a Masters 1000 semifinal for the 80th time! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/jISJATmEfd

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Despite the raucous crowd, Bergs showed resilience, saving two match points and creating a break point of his own. However, Djokovic remained focused and ultimately sealed the win when Bergs' shot went long, securing a hard-fought victory.

The crowd became electric as fans chanted “Novak! Novak!” and waved Serbian flags, prompting the umpire to repeatedly request silence. The atmosphere was intense, with spectators holding signs proclaiming “Novak is the GOAT.” When Djokovic broke again to lead 6-5, the stadium erupted in a frenzy of noise and color.

Despite the raucous crowd, Bergs showed resilience, saving two match points and creating a break point of his own. However, Djokovic remained focused and ultimately sealed the win when Bergs' shot went long, securing a hard-fought victory.