Novak Djokovic becomes player to reach most semifinals at ATP 1000 events

Novak Djokovic is also the third player to reach 50+ semis at ATP 1000 tournaments.

Novak Djokovic took the reins later in the match, climbing back from a one-set deficit to beat Jakub Mensik, advancing to the last four at the ATP Shanghai Masters 2024 for a ninth time. The Serb is seeking a record-extending fifth Shanghai Masters title. His win over the Czech start came with a 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-4 win in two hours, 20 minutes.

Mensik let the match slip away after making 32 unforced errors despite hitting more aces (17). Contributing to his downfall were the six double faults, a stark contrast to just the one by Djokovic. It was the first career meeting between the Czech teen and the Serb veteran.

Djokovic’s win over Mensik ends the Czech player’s winning streak against ATP Top 10 players at the Masters event. The 19-year-old Mensik sent home 10th-ranked Grigor Dimitrov in the round of 16 after accounting for Andrey Rublev, the World No. #6 in the second round.

Mensik, ranked at No. 65, is in fourth place in the Race to Jeddah and is the youngest quarterfinalist in Shanghai Masters history.

78 – One of only three to reach 50+ SFs along with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic has reached a 78th ATP Masters 1000 SF – the most of any player since the format’s inception in 1990. Benchmark.#RolexShanghaiMasters | @SH_RolexMasters @atptour pic.twitter.com/eCgV093q9G

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) October 11, 2024

By reaching the semi-final on his first visit to Shanghai since 2019, Djokovic has kept his dream alive for a 100th tour-level title. The 24-time Grand Slam champion became one of only three players to reach 50+ semifinals in ATP 1000 events alongside Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Djokovic also booked his 78th ATP Masters 1000 semi-final — the most by any player since the format’s inception in 1990. The Serb remains undefeated in China against players outside the ATP top 20, moving to 42-0 with the victory over Mensik. Djokovic sealed the win with an ace while serving at 40-0 to complete the comeback victory.

Also Read: Jannik Sinner to end season as World No.1 after shock Carlos Alcaraz exit from Shanghai Masters

Novak Djokovic’s bid for Shanghai Masters trophy continues with ninth semi-final appearance 

Novak Djokovic heads into his semi-final match against Taylor Fritz armed with a 38-5 record in Shanghai. Djokovic will resume his rivalry with Fritz at 9-0 and for the first time since clashing with the American at the Australian Open quarterfinals in January of this year. Fritz is in fine form in China and is yet to drop a set in the torment. Djokovic, too, held fast, not losing a set until he ran into Mensik in the last eight.

The American, who made the ATP top five last season, is on the hunt for his first ATP 1000 level title since winning in Indian Wells two years ago. He has never made it past the second round in Shanghai before 2024 since making his main draw debut in 2016.

Fritz marched into the last four on Friday at the ATP Shanghai Masters 2024 by overcoming Spaniard David Goffin, completing the 6-3, 6-3 win in 82 minutes. He has now improved to 49-19 for the season.

Djokovic, the last of the Big four still standing, experienced some trouble with his left knee before pulling through to set up the first-ever meeting with Fritz in Shanghai.

He reunited with Federer on the sidelines of the event, where the Swiss great had turned up to play an exhibition match. The duo ran into each other after the Serb returned victorious from his quarter-final match against Jakub Mensik. “Hey Old Man,” Federer greeted the Serb, as the two shook hands.

Federer watching Djokovic match today, met him after his win.Federer;"Hey old man good fight… you know that you still have it in you, well done."Love this interaction! 😂pic.twitter.com/TdmuMsLboC

— Pavvy G (@pavyg) October 11, 2024

Novak Djokovic is seeded to clash with Jannik Sinner in the title round, where the Serb will be itching for payback after the Italian denied him a shot at a record 11th Australian Open title. Sinner had defeated Djokovic in the semis at Melbourne in January.

Jannik Sinner overcame Tomas Machac 6-4, 7-5 to reach the the Shanghai Masters finals for the first time. Along with the one-hour, 44-minute victory, the Italian clinched the ATP Year-End No. #1 ranking, becoming the first from his country to do so. The 23-year-old is now the 19th player to claim year-end World No. 1 position.

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