Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
New Delhi: Twenty-four time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic scripted history on Thursday by becoming the oldest ATP 1000 semi-finalist at the Shanghai Masters at 38 with a dominant win. Serbian giant Djokovic delivered a power-packed performance to thrash Belgium's Zizou Bergs in straight sets to set up the semis clash against ValentinVacherot on Saturday.
Djokovic maintained his supremacy right from the beginning of the clash dominating in both the sets and not giving an opportunity to his opponent. Though Bergs lost the opening set 3-6, he showcased some courage in the next one but ultimately, the Serbian giant maintained an upper hand winning it 7-5 and the clash ultimately.
Djokovic, who had battled through a leg issue and exhaustion due to excess heat in Shanghai during his fourth round match against Juame Munar, again showed some signs of struggle during the opening set but ultimately shrugged the fatigue to come out victorious.
Djokovic is now two wins away from a record-extending 41st Masters 1000 crown and his first since the 2023 Paris Masters. Meanwhile, his opponent in the semis clash Vacherot earlier upset 10th seed Holger Rune 2-6, 7-6, 6-4 in the quarterfinal clash. The Serbian is a favourite to win the ATP Masters crown as Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz did not participate in the event and Jannik Sinner retired in the third round after suffering cramps.
Djokovic looking ahead to play Vacherot in semis
After the fantastic victory, Djokovic said that he is looking forward to play Monoco tennis player Vacherot and also hailed him for playing an impressive game of tennis.
'It’s great for Monegasque tennis! We have one of our biggest tournaments in Monaco and I’m very glad for him and his coach Benjamin Balleret, his coach I’ve known for many years, trained with him while being based in Monaco over the last 15 years. Amazing story for him. This tournament has taken out many top players - I don’t know how many - but it’s very impressive what he’s doing,' he said.
