Djokovic advances to the semifinals in Shanghai; he will face Vacherot

Djokovic Advances to Semifinals at Shanghai Masters

Shanghai – Novak Djokovic secured a relatively straightforward victory at the Shanghai Masters, defeating Zizou Bergs with scores of 6-3 and 7-5 on Thursday. With this win, Djokovic secures his place in the semifinals, where he will face the number 204 ranked player, Valentin Vacherot, from Monaco. Djokovic, known for his impressive performance, has had to deal with the challenging heat and humidity conditions in Shanghai. In previous matches, he experienced difficulties, including episodes of vomiting and the need for medical assistance after a grueling match that extended to a third set against Jaume Munar in the previous round. The only moment of trouble for Djokovic in the match against Bergs was when he lost his serve while leading 5-4 in the second set, before finally converting his third match point.

I should have closed out the match at 5-4. The conditions are very challenging these days for all the players, and I was just trying to stay on the court. I’m glad to get over this hurdle.

Novak Djokovic

This match represented the first encounter between Djokovic and Bergs.

Man, I have to stop idolizing you

Zizou Bergs

Vacherot surprised the tenth seed, Holger Rune, with a 2-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4 victory, becoming the second lowest-ranked semifinalist in Masters 1000 events in the last 35 years, according to the ATP.

This is simply incredible. I didn’t come as a qualifier, I came as an alternate. I wasn’t even sure I was going to play the qualifying.

Valentin Vacherot

Vacherot secured the victory when Rune missed a service return, falling to his knees on the baseline with both hands on his face against the court surface. Rune had been struggling with mobility due to leg cramps in the third set.