Novak Djokovic continues to defy time — becoming the oldest player ever to reach the quarterfinals of a Masters 1000 event.
The Serbian star battled through a grueling round-of-16 encounter at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, overcoming Spain’s Jaume Munar in three sets — 6-3, 5-7, 6-2, after two hours and 41 minutes of intense play.
Novak started strong, firing his forehand with precision throughout the opening set. He created three consecutive break points in the fourth game and finally converted his fourth opportunity to move ahead 3-1. After receiving medical treatment for discomfort in his left calf, he returned to the court composed and focused, consolidating the break and sealing the set 6-3 after 44 minutes — producing 14 winners to Munar’s four.
The second set saw a momentum shift as the Spaniard raised his level, playing with greater aggression and consistency from the baseline. Munar pressed Djokovic into longer rallies and eventually capitalized on his first break point of the match in the twelfth game to level the contest at one set apiece. The set lasted a demanding one hour and 14 minutes.
In the decider, Novak once again showed why he remains one of the sport’s greatest competitors. Despite the heavy humidity and exhausting conditions, he broke immediately in the opening game and never looked back. A second break in the seventh game sealed the deal, and with a composed service hold, he closed out the set 6-2 — advancing to the Shanghai quarterfinals for the eleventh time in his career.
In the last eight, Nole will face Belgium’s Zizou Bergs, the world No. 44, who earned his spot by upsetting 31st seed Gabriel Diallo earlier in the day.
Photo: Profimedia
