Follow us on Google Discover Novak Djokovic reached his 80th Masters 1000 semifinal after defeating Zizou Bergs in Shanghai.
Djokovic emerged victorious in straight sets, beating the Belgian 6-3, 7-5 to set up a final four clash with world number 204 Valentin Vacherot.
It has not been plain sailing for the Serb at the Shanghai Masters, having struggled with the tough conditions at 38 years of age.
In his fourth-round match with Jaume Munar, Djokovic also sustained an injury to his left ankle, which he gave an update on after his triumph over Bergs.
Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty ImagesNovak Djokovic delivers an injury update at the Shanghai Masters
Reacting to the quarterfinal victory in his post-match press conference, the 24-time major champion said: “Well, it might seem easy for you, but I assure you it wasn’t easy.
“No win is easy at this level. Zizou Bergs has been playing some terrific tennis this tournament. I think it would be disrespectful towards him to say it was easy.
“It was a tough-earned victory in two sets. My leg was good. There’s always something happening with the body pretty much every match that I play right now.
“There are some other issues that I’m trying to address day by day, and hopefully it’s going to get better as the tournament progresses.
“I have a day off for my semifinal, so that’s really good. Yeah, I’m going to come back with, of course, the right attitude and intention to win.”
Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty ImagesNovak Djokovic reacts to making history at the Shanghai Masters
Djokovic has now set a record for the most semifinal appearances in Shanghai Masters history with 10.
On the feat, he said: “Yeah. Well, it’s no secret I love playing in China. I just mentioned the support of the crowd definitely makes you feel comfortable, gives you wind in your sails.
“When you’re on the court feeling down they lift you up. So that’s what’s happening basically every single match the last couple matches for me here.
“I’ve been struggling quite a bit with energy levels. And just every opportunity that I get, the crowd feels it, and they stand behind me. I can hear that noise and that really, that energy drives me.
“I’m enjoying myself. As much as I’m suffering, at the same time I’m enjoying to play in front of them.”
His next opponent, Vacherot, defeated Holger Rune to book his place in the final four of the tournament.