Djokovic defies injury to reach Shanghai quarters
Novak Djokovic overcame fatigue and an ankle injury scare to reach the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters on Tuesday, defeating Spain’s Jaume Munar 6-3, 5-7, 6-2.
The 38-year-old Serb, chasing a record-extending fifth Shanghai title, appeared in serious trouble after slipping on his left ankle midway through the match and vomiting courtside in humid 30°C conditions. But after receiving treatment, he recovered to break Munar twice in the decider and seal victory in just under three hours.
“Thank you, thank you everyone, I love you!” Djokovic shouted in Chinese to the roaring crowd before leaving the court.
Djokovic, now the oldest player to reach an ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal, remains the top seed left after the exits of Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz.
He will next face Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs, who edged Gabriel Diallo in a tense three-set battle.
(Source: AFP)
