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Novak Djokovic advances to the third round of the Shanghai Masters

Serbian Novak Djokovic, the fourth seed, advanced to the third round of the Shanghai Masters after defeating American Alex Michelsen with scores of 7-6 (3) and 7-6 (9) at the Qi Zhong Tennis Center on Saturday.

Por: Rubén Carrillo
Novak Djokovic advances to the third round of the Shanghai Masters / Photo via courtesy
Novak Djokovic advances to the third round of the Shanghai Masters / Photo via courtesy

With this victory, Djokovic  now has 35 match wins in Shanghai as he continues his quest for a fifth title at the tournament.

 

Additionally, including team events, Djokovic has won his last 33 ATP-level matches against American opponents. His last loss to a player from the U.S. came against Sam Querrey in the round of 32 at Wimbledon in 2016.

 

In the next round, Djokovic will face the winner of the match between Italy’s Flavio Cobolli, the 28th seed, and Swiss wildcard Stan Wawrinka.

 

Michelsen, ranked No. 43, entered this matchup after defeating China’s Bu Yunchaokete with scores of 6-3 and 6-4 in the previous round of the tournament.

Novak Djokovic advances to the third round of the Shanghai Masters / Photo via courtesy
Novak Djokovic advances to the third round of the Shanghai Masters / Photo via courtesy

Novak Djokovic’s Impressive Record at the Shanghai Masters

Novak Djokovic has long been a dominant force at the Shanghai Masters, a tournament where he consistently shines. Over the years, his remarkable performances in Shanghai have made him one of the event’s most successful players.

 

As of 2024, Djokovic has won the Shanghai Masters four times, and his quest for a fifth title continues to bolster his reputation as a formidable competitor on these courts.

 

Djokovic’s Shanghai Legacy

Djokovic’s love affair with the Shanghai Masters began in 2012, when he claimed his first title at the prestigious event.

 

Since then, he has added three more titles to his name, winning in 2013, 2015, and 2018. Known for his resilience and precise baseline play, the Serbian star thrives in the fast-paced conditions of the hard courts at the Qi Zhong Tennis Center.

Novak Djokovic advances to the third round of the Shanghai Masters / Photo via courtesy
Novak Djokovic advances to the third round of the Shanghai Masters / Photo via courtesy

What sets Djokovic apart at the Shanghai Masters is not just his victories but also the manner in which he achieves them. His level of dominance is evident in the fact that he has only lost a handful of matches over the years at this tournament.

 

His success is also tied to his exceptional ability to perform in critical moments, often outlasting opponents in tense tiebreak situations, as seen in his recent 2024 third-round qualifying victory over Alex Michelsen.

 

Djokovic’s Streak Against Americans

One of the most impressive aspects of Djokovic’s record in Shanghai is his incredible streak against American players. Including both individual and team events, Djokovic has won his last 33 ATP-level matches against American opponents, a streak that dates back to 2016.

 

His last loss to an American player came at Wimbledon 2016, when he was defeated by Sam Querrey in the round of 32. Since then, Djokovic has consistently outplayed his American challengers, demonstrating his ability to adapt and overcome different styles of play.

Novak Djokovic advances to the third round of the Shanghai Masters / Photo via courtesy
Novak Djokovic advances to the third round of the Shanghai Masters / Photo via courtesy

Entering the 2024 Shanghai Masters as the fourth seed, Djokovic has once again set his sights on adding another trophy to his collection.

 

With this victory, Djokovic now stands with 35 match wins in Shanghai, further solidifying his status as one of the tournament’s legends. Up next, he is set to face either Italy’s Flavio Cobolli or Swiss wildcard Stan Wawrinka, as the tournament progresses into the later rounds.

 

Both potential opponents offer unique challenges, but Djokovic’s track record and form make him the favorite to advance.

Novak Djokovic advances to the third round of the Shanghai Masters / Photo via courtesy
Novak Djokovic advances to the third round of the Shanghai Masters / Photo via courtesy

Djokovic’s success in Shanghai is a combination of his tactical intelligence, mental fortitude, and the conditions that suit his game.

 

The hard court surface plays into his strengths, allowing him to move swiftly and engage in long rallies where he can wear down opponents. His serve, combined with his ability to return even the most challenging shots, has often left competitors struggling to keep up.

We hope you enjoyed this article about Shanghai Masters, If you did, please share it with others. You might also be interested in reading our article about Shanghai Masters, or browsing other reviews in our Luster English section.

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