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Novak Djokovic Becomes First Player to Record 10 Quarter-Final Appearances in ATP Shanghai Masters

Novak Djokovic reached another milestone at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, securing a position in the quarter-finals for the 10th time after defeating Roman Safiullin 6-3, 6-2. This win brings Djokovic one step ahead to his 100th tour-level title, a feat achieved by only two men in tennis history—Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer.

The four-time Shanghai champion had to dig deep to claim the victory but somehow managed to overcome Safiullin’s early pushback. Djokovic now remains rigidly in the hunt for his 41st ATP Masters 1000 title and a shot at history.

Djokovic’s Resilience Shines

Novak Djokovic Becomes First Player to Record 10 Quarter-Final Appearances in ATP Shanghai Masters
Novak Djokovic (Credits - Tennis.com)

Safiullin started strong, even saving a break point with a superb forehand in the second game. Nevertheless, Djokovic, with his years of experience, saved all three break points he faced and utilised on Safiullin’s mistakes in the eighth game to take the first set.

The second set was smoother for Djokovic, who broke Safiullin twice to cruise to win in just 94 minutes. Djokovic’s win extended his lead to 3-0 in their head-to-head clashes and marked his 35th triumph of the season.

A Young Challenger Awaits

Next, Djokovic will face 19-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik, who upset Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 to become the youngest quarter-finalist in Shanghai tournament history. While Djokovic has spent just two hours and 16 minutes on court since his opening round, Mensik has sustained four sequential three-set matches.

In spite of Mensik’s impressive wins, the experience and form Djokovic is representing could make it a tough challenge for the young Czech.

Race to Turin

Djokovic’s win also fortifies his chances of securing a position in the Nitto ATP Finals, where he has already won a record seven titles. Presently eighth in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin, a strong showing in Shanghai could seal his place in the season-ending event. Mirroring on his form, Djokovic expressed his joy in competing and highlighted the significance of consistency.

“Both last night’s match and tonight have been some of the best matches I’ve played in a while,” Djokovic said. “I am just enjoying myself on the court. These sensations are why I keep playing.”

Other Key Results

In another major result, David Goffin pulled off a surprise win over second seed Alexander Zverev, winning 6-4, 7-5. This marks Goffin’s first appearance in the quarter-finals of an ATP Masters 1000 event since 2021. Goffin will now face seventh seed Taylor Fritz, who breezed past Holger Rune 6-1, 6-2 in just 55 minutes.

Fritz is presently ranked fifth in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin and with this dominant performance, he solidified his chances of qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals.

Looking Ahead

As the Shanghai Masters moves into its final stages, Djokovic remains the center of attention. His quest for a 100th title and a 41st ATP Masters 1000 win continues, as he edges closer to cementing his place in the history books once again.

Cover Credits - Tennis365

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