Novak Djokovic triumphed over Taylor Fritz in the Shanghai Masters semifinal, even though he was hurting during the second set.
In China, Djokovic is always greeted with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd, unlike at other tournaments where he’s often had run-ins with fans.
Returning to China for the first time in five years at the 2024 Shanghai Masters, Djokovic had skipped 2023 and missed previous years due to COVID-19 restrictions.
| Name | Age | Points | Stats 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇷🇸 Novak Djokovic | 37 | 8,360 | 18 - 6 |
Header Text: Memorable Moments and Rivalries
This year’s tournament is unforgettable for Djokovic because Rafael Nadal announced his retirement during it. Nadal’s last professional match will be at the Davis Cup Finals in November, and Djokovic promised to be there in Malaga for this special event.
With Federer, Murray, and now Nadal stepping away from tennis, Djokovic feels a part of him has already left too. Yet, he focused on his semifinal against Fritz.
Fans might think it’s amazing how Djokovic stays strong despite all these changes around him.
Facing an opponent he’s beaten nine times before must have been comforting for Djokovic. Fritz needed something extraordinary to shake up this former world No. 1.
Djokovic started strong by getting ahead 0-40 on Fritz’s serve but couldn’t capitalize immediately as Fritz fought back. However, another opportunity came at 2-2 when Djokovic finally broke through to lead 3-2.
Though he missed another break chance later on, it didn’t matter much as he won the first set 6-4 without facing any breakpoints himself.
The second set’s fifth game was thrilling; both players showcased incredible skills with backhand winners and intense rallies that earned a standing ovation from spectators.
Fritz almost turned things around when he went ahead on Djokovic’s serve at 15-40 but faltered by sending a return long—letting Novak hold onto his service game.
A tense moment arose when Fritz led 6-5; Novak took a medical timeout for his hip and knee issues which worried many fans watching closely!
Despite discomfort afterward, Novak managed to pull through by holding serve until reaching tiebreaks where they found themselves tied again at six-all before clinching victory after an epic rally ended with Fritz lobbing out—sealing their fate: “6-4,” “7–6.”
Now gearing up against Jannik Sinner next—isn’t life full of surprises? What do you think about this match?
