“Djokovic Overcomes Physical Hurdles to Set Epic Shanghai Final Clash with Sinner”

Novak Djokovic maintained his flawless record against Taylor Fritz in the Shanghai Masters semifinal, despite battling physical discomfort during the second set.

Djokovic has always enjoyed strong crowd support in China, which contrasts with the mixed reception he’s received in other parts of the world. Over his career, the Serbian star has often clashed with crowds, but Shanghai offers a welcome respite. After a five-year absence, Djokovic returned to China for the 2024 Shanghai Masters. The tournament had not been held from 2020 to 2022 due to COVID-19 restrictions, and Djokovic opted out of the 2023 edition.

This year’s Shanghai Masters holds special significance for Djokovic, regardless of the tournament’s outcome. During the event, his longtime rival Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from tennis. Djokovic has already confirmed he will attend the Davis Cup Finals in November to witness Nadal’s final match on home soil in Spain. The retirement of Nadal, along with the previous exits of Roger Federer and Andy Murray, has left Djokovic reflecting on the changing era of tennis. He admitted that a big part of him has already left the sport with his “Big Four” companions stepping away.

Despite these emotional distractions, Djokovic refocused for his semifinal against Fritz. The four-time Shanghai champion entered the match with a perfect 9-0 record against the American, and the odds were in his favor. Fritz, however, hoped to deliver something special in an attempt to unsettle Djokovic.

Djokovic made an early statement, racing to a 0-40 lead in Fritz’s first service game, though the American managed to hold. At 2-2, Djokovic broke Fritz’s serve, capitalizing on his fifth opportunity to take control of the match. He sealed the first set 6-4, without facing a single breakpoint.

The second set offered more drama, with both players engaging in a thrilling battle in the fifth game, which saw Djokovic hit three remarkable backhand passing shots. Although Fritz saved a breakpoint with impressive defense, Djokovic continued to pressure him. At 4-3, Fritz earned two break points, but Djokovic dug deep to hold.

There was concern when Djokovic took a medical timeout at 5-6 for treatment on his left hip and knee, but he pushed through. In the tiebreak, Djokovic faced a match point on Fritz’s serve but turned the tables with a breathtaking rally. He clinched the 6-4, 7-6 victory, setting up a blockbuster final against Jannik Sinner.