Novak Djokovic at the Shanghai Masters: What's next against Ziziou Bergs?
Djokovic broke Munar's serve to go up 3-1 in the first set, but immediately requested a medical timeout. The treatment on his ankle was evident, and although he consolidated his lead, he called his trainer again before closing out the set. In the second set, Munar took advantage of the Serbian's physical exhaustion. At 5-4, after a long rally, Djokovic collapsed to the floor, exhausted. He was treated by his team, who helped him sit up and checked his blood pressure. Despite everything, the Spaniard took the set 7-5.
In the third set, Djokovic broke Munar's serve in the first game and broke again to go up 5-2. His resilience was key to sealing the victory. This performance reinforces his reputation as an unbeatable competitor, capable of overcoming extreme conditions and injuries in the heat of competition .
Novak Djokovic at the Shanghai Masters: How he overcame the extreme heat
At 38 years and 4 months old, he became the oldest player to reach the quarterfinals of a Masters 1000, surpassing Roger Federer's record. His next opponent will be world number 44 Ziziou Bergs, who came from behind against Gabriel Diallo. With favorites like Sinner and Zverev out, and Alcaraz absent, Djokovic has a real chance of winning his fifth title in Shanghai.
The tennis player's performance also opens the debate about how elite players manage their bodies under extreme conditions. His medical and technical team plays a key role in monitoring signs of fatigue and early injuries. This comprehensive approach is part of what has kept him competitive on an increasingly demanding tour.
Novak Djokovic at the Shanghai Masters: historic quarterfinal record
Holger Rune, another quarterfinalist, publicly called for the ATP Tour to adopt qualifying rules similar to those at Grand Slams, where players have more recovery time between matches. The combination of extreme heat, humidity, and back-to-back matches athletes' health at risk Shanghai 2025 could mark a turning point in how tournaments are organized in demanding climates.
Novak Djokovic's victory at the Shanghai Masters wasn't just a demonstration of talent, but also of physical and mental resilience. In conditions that have led to retirements and injuries, he remains resolute. Will he claim his fifth Shanghai title and the 41st Masters 1000 of his career?
Novak Djokovic at the Shanghai Masters: Can he win his fifth title?
Furthermore, his victory over Munar reinforces his position as one of the most complete competitors on the tour. Not only did he defeat a young and in-form opponent, but he did so while dealing with a visible injury, previous vomiting, and a hostile environment. The image of Djokovic falling to the ground after a long rally, being attended to by his coach, and then returning to break Munar's serve is a snapshot of resilience that will remain in the tournament's memory.
With Ziziou Bergs as his next opponent, the path to a fifth title in Shanghai is open, but not without challenges. The Belgian is coming off an intense comeback against Gabriel Diallo, and although he doesn't have the same track record as Djokovic, he could take advantage of any physical weaknesses the Serbian has. Still, if Djokovic maintains his level of form and manages to control the inflammation in his ankle, his experience could tip the balance.
Novak Djokovic's victory at the Shanghai Masters also underscores his continued presence on the tour, even against younger opponents and in challenging conditions. At 38, the Serbian continues to compete at the highest level, proving that experience, physical preparation, and mental toughness can make the difference in high-stakes matches.
His performance in Shanghai not only brings him closer to a new title, but also reinforces his legacy as one of the most complete tennis players in history. In a tournament where several favorites have already been eliminated, Djokovic is positioned as the leading contender, not only for his track record but also for his ability to overcome physical and climatic obstacles.
Furthermore, his presence in the quarterfinals is generating excitement among fans and analysts. The match against Ziziou Bergs will be a new test, and if he advances, he could be on his way to a final that will further cement his position as a global tennis icon. Novak Djokovic doesn't just compete at the Shanghai Masters: he inspires, challenges, and redefines the boundaries of the sport.
