Notice in Shanghai: Djokovic exhibits a total level | ATP Tour

Shanghai

Notice in Shanghai: Djokovic exhibits a total level

The Serbian seeks his first ATP Masters 1000 title of the year

October 08, 2024

Novak Djokovic has traditionally found his best on the Asian tour and that memory looks like a powerful boost this week. The Balkan reached the round of 16 of the Rolex Shanghai Masters this Tuesday, exhibiting the game full of ease that has made him write a legendary career on the ATP Tour. The four-time champion has picked up speed in China and aims to have one of the best weeks of the season.

After having their path interrupted by rain in recent days, the fourth seed took the field with renewed energy to mark the field. In one of the most fleeting duels of the tournament, Djokovic barely needed 64 minutes to beat the Italian Flavio Cobolli 6-1 6-2 and seal his ticket to the fourth round.

“From the beginning I had a clear game plan, staying aggressive and trying to take advantage of any short ball to take the initiative on the point,” said Djokovic. “Cobolli was tired after last night’s match [ante Stan Wawrinka]. “I think that has taken a physical toll on him today.”

“I haven’t played many games. The positive thing is that I’m fresh, so I’m happy if I have to play every day or if I have long games.”

Novak barely delivered seven points on his serve and put in a consistent match, winning the last five games to open a terminal gap with his rival. The Serbian, who had not played a tournament since losing in the third round of the US Open against Alexei Popyrin, continues to make strides in Shanghai on the way to the decisive rounds.

Now, Djokovic will have the mission of placing himself among the strongest names in the draw and confirming his level recovery. The Serbian will play the round of 16 in Shanghai against Roman Safiullin, who surprised No. 13 seed Frances Tiafoe 5-7, 7-5, 7-6(5). Novak leads the Lexus ATP Head2Head record 2-0 against his next opponent, including a victory this season on the clay of Monte Carlo.

Djokovic faces a key tournament in his aspirations to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals. After rising to No. 8 in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin upon debuting in Shanghai, the Serbian has opened a gap of 55 points in the direct access places to the event that will put the finishing touch to the season, where he alone holds the record historic with seven individual titles.

After equaling his best result in an ATP Masters 1000, Cobolli aspired to sign the biggest victory of his sporting career. The Italian, who served as a reserve for Team Europa this year at the Laver Cup, occupies a virtually career-high position of No. 29 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings.

Did you know that…?
Novak Djokovic has never lost a match before the quarterfinals on the courts of the Rolex Shanghai Masters. The Serbian, who has a record of 36-5 in the Asian tournament, is one step away from maintaining this record in his 10th participation on Chinese soil.