Shanghai Masters 2024: Novak Djokovic powers past Jakub Mensik; sets up semi clash with Taylor Fritz

Shanghai Masters 2024: Chasing a career 100th title, Djokovic almost stumbled along the way, while Fritz powered past his opponent relatively easily

Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz at the Shanghai Masters

In the second set of quarter-finals played out at the Shanghai Open, Taylor Fritz was pitted against David Goffin, while four-time champion Novak Djokovic was up against Jakub Mensik. Fritz and Djokovic advanced to the Round of 4 and will play each other in the second semi-final on October 12. Jannik Sinner and Tomas Machac are the other two semi-finalists of the 2024 Shanghai Masters.

Fritz vs Goffin

Taking to the court first, Fritz needed only 82 minutes to send Goffin packing in straight sets, 6-3 6-4. Fritz broke Goffin twice to take the first set, and for a while it looked as if the latter, who had defeated the likes of Lorenzo Mussetti and Alexander Zverev in this tournament, would turn things around But then, that was not to be, as Fritz broke him once more and took charge of the set and the match.

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The duo has not played each other often, with only 2 other encounters prior to this quarter-final, and were split evenly at 1:1 in the head-to-head record. The win makes Fritz only the second American after Sebastian Korda to make it to the Shanghai Masters semi-final.

Djokovic vs Mensik

The final quarter-final bout had 37-year-old Djokovic an 19-year-old Jakub Mensik on court, with the latter almost orchestrating a major upset. Djokovic, who had not lost a set in the tournament so far, surrendered the first, after floundering a chance to take it. The former champ broke Mensik’s serve, only to have the youngster break right back and force the set into tie-breaker, which also went the latter’s way.

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After that strong start, though, Mensik, lost his way, as 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic showed him what a masterclass he is. Djokovic absolutely dominated the second set, taking it 6-1, and continued in the same form into the third and final set too, although Mensik pulled himself together to offer better resistance. It was not enough, though, as Djokovic closed out the match with a 6-4 third set, which took him one step closer to a 100th career title.

For all the action from the Shanghai Masters 2024, tune into Sony Network on Sony Sports or SonyLIV. You can also stream the matches and highlights on OTTplay Premium.

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