Novak Djokovic battled through sweltering conditions to reach the Shanghai Masters semi-finals for a remarkable 10th time, overcoming a tough challenge from Zizou Bergs. The Serbian star secured a 6-3, 7-5 victory, but the scoreline doesn't fully reflect the intensity of the match.
Djokovic Faces Grueling Conditions
Djokovic admitted he was simply "trying to stay alive" amidst the humidity and high temperatures in Shanghai. The conditions have been brutal for all players this week, pushing them to their physical limits. Djokovic, who previously experienced discomfort in his earlier match, showed incredible resilience.
“First encounter with Bergs, a great guy. Obviously a lot of firepower in his game. He played a good game,” Djokovic said. “I was a little bit too passive. Just very challenging conditions these days for all the players. Just trying to stay alive on the court and glad to overcome this hurdle.”
Bergs Pushes Djokovic Hard
Bergs, despite the loss, showcased impressive power and determination. He even outpaced Djokovic in winners but was ultimately undone by unforced errors. Djokovic acknowledged Bergs' strengths, admitting he had to rely on his experience to force errors from his opponent.
The first set saw Bergs save five set points before Djokovic could clinch it. The second set was even more fiercely contested, featuring breathtaking rallies that had the crowd on its feet.
Next Up: Vacherot
Djokovic will now face Valentin Vacherot in the semi-finals. Vacherot, a qualifier, has enjoyed a dream run at the Shanghai Masters, defeating Holger Rune to reach the last four. This victory will propel Vacherot into the top 100 rankings for the first time in his career.
Vacherot's Amazing Run
Vacherot's unexpected success has been one of the stories of the tournament. His match against Rune was a nail-biter, with Rune struggling with cramps in the later stages.
- Djokovic aiming for his 5th Shanghai title.
- Vacherot breaking into the top 100.
- Extreme heat impacting player performance.