Djokovic survives humidity, sickness & leg issue to defeat Munar in Shanghai
Novak Djokovic overcame pain in his left ankle, the Shanghai humidity and the challenge of Jaume Munar to reach the quarter-finals at the Rolex Shanghai Masters for the 11th time on Tuesday.
The Serbian received multiple medical timeouts for a leg issue during the two-hour, 40-minute clash and frequently placed an ice towel over his head during changeovers, with humidity levels exceeding 82 per cent. Djokovic threw up courtside on several occasions and collapsed to the floor after losing the second set before he received medical support.
However, despite the challenging conditions, the 38-year-old dug deep to grind down Munar 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 in one of the most physical matches of the season.
After losing the second set, Djokovic capitalised on a crucial Munar error at the start of the third set to regain momentum. Serving at 0-0, 40/15, Munar missed a simple smash wide, allowing an opening for the Serbian. Djokovic went on to break Munar’s serve and then was aggressive in the decider in an attempt to shorten the rallies. The 40-time Masters 1000 champion produced a 9.6 shot quality on the forehand in the third set, hitting at an average speed of 84 mph on that stroke to dictate and triumph.
Shot Quality measures the quality of the player’s serve, return, forehand and backhand on a 0-10 scale. They are calculated in real-time by analysing each shot’s speed, spin, depth, width, and the impact it has on the opponent.
Djokovic has reached the quarter-finals in all 11 of his Shanghai appearances, lifting the trophy a record four times. The No. 5 player in the PIF ATP Rankings is the highest-ranked left player in the draw and he will next meet Belgian Zizou Bergs.
The Serbian is chasing a record-extending 41st ATP Masters 1000 title and first since he won in Paris in 2023. Earlier this year, he lost in the Miami final to #NextGenATP Czech Jakub Mensik. The record seven-time Nitto ATP Finals champion is currently third in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, with a 35-10 standing on the year, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.
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