Novak Djokovic defeats Jakub Mensik at the Shanghai Masters advancing to the semi-finals against Taylor Fritz

Novak Djokovic has advanced to the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters after a gripping comeback win over Jakub Mensik, showcasing his resilience and skill on the court. The match, which lasted two hours and 21 minutes, saw Djokovic battling back from losing the first set to ultimately secure victory with a score of 6-7, 6-1, 6-4.

Despite a promising start, where Djokovic broke Mensik to take a 5-4 lead in the first set, the young Czech player demonstrated remarkable tenacity. He quickly rearranged the momentum of the match, forcing a tie-break where Djokovic initially surged ahead 3-0. However, Mensik’s resolve shone through, as he climbed back into the contest and clinched the set 7-4.

In the second set, Djokovic significantly elevated his performance, showcasing the experience that has earned him 24 Grand Slam titles as he dominated the play. He effectively exerted pressure on Mensik and managed to secure a critical break of serve in the deciding set, establishing a decisive 3-2 lead. The match was not without its tense moments, particularly as Djokovic displayed signs of discomfort, repeatedly stretching his left knee, which raised concerns for his fans and team alike.

However, Djokovic’s professionalism and focus prevailed, allowing him to deliver a flawless service game to close out the match to love. His next challenge will be against American Taylor Fritz in the semi-finals scheduled for Saturday. Fritz earned his place in the last four with a solid performance, defeating Belgium’s David Goffin in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, in a match that lasted just 82 minutes.

Fritz’s victory marked his fifth appearance in a Masters semi-final, and he will be looking to build upon this momentum against the formidable Djokovic. In the other semi-final on Saturday, top seed Jannik Sinner is set to face Tomas Machac, who achieved a stunning upset by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals. With such exciting matchups ahead, the Shanghai Masters is shaping up to be a thrilling conclusion.