Novak Djokovic closer to 100th ATP title after dominant win at Shanghai Masters

Novak Djokovic moved closer to achieving his 100th ATP title with a strong performance at the Shanghai Masters. The 37-year-old Serb advanced to the quarter-finals after defeating Russia’s Roman Safiullin 6-3, 6-1.

Djokovic, who claimed his 99th title with an Olympic gold in August, will now face Czech teenager Jakub Mensik in the next round.

As a 24-time Grand Slam champion, Djokovic is aiming to join an elite group of players who have won 100 or more tournaments. Only Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) have reached that milestone in men’s tennis.

When asked to rate his performance against Safiullin, Djokovic said: “Very close to 10. These last two matches are some of the best I’ve played in a while.”

This is Djokovic’s first time back in Shanghai since 2019, and he admitted that the thought of reaching this landmark title is giving him extra motivation. Djokovic, who has won the Shanghai Masters four times, holds the record for most wins at the event.

Despite top players like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Daniil Medvedev still in the tournament, Djokovic has been impressive. After a surprising early exit from the US Open, he has bounced back, winning all his matches in Shanghai without dropping a set.

“I’m enjoying myself on the court,” Djokovic added. “These matches remind me why I still play. I believe I can keep performing at this level, and it’s about staying consistent.”

In other matches, Belgian David Goffin upset second seed Alexander Zverev, winning 6-4, 7-5. Goffin, who has been working hard to regain his form, reached his first big quarter-final since Wimbledon 2022.

World number one Jannik Sinner advanced by beating American Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-6 (7-1), while Russian Daniil Medvedev knocked out Greek 10th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-6 (7-3), 6-3. Tsitsipas was frustrated after receiving a time violation during the match, which affected his focus as he went on to lose serve and the match.

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz also reached the quarter-finals, extending his winning streak to 12 matches by defeating French veteran Gael Monfils 6-4, 7-5.