Novak Djokovic provides update after injury scares as he sets up Jannik Sinner blockbuster in Shanghai

Ewan West
Novak Djokovic roars after reaching the 2024 Shanghai Masters final
Novak Djokovic roars after reaching the Shanghai Masters final

Novak Djokovic overcame a second injury scare in two matches to down Taylor Fritz in a tough encounter to reach the final of the 2024 Shanghai Masters. 

The 24-time Grand Slam champion prevailed 6-4, 7-6(6) against Fritz in the semi-finals of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament.

Djokovic earned the only break of the match en route to convincingly winning the opening set, but he was pushed hard by the world No 7 in the second set.

The 37-year-old Serbian saved two break points to hold for 4-4 in the second and he also received treatment on his left hip late in the set.

This came the day after Djokovic’s left knee seemed to cause him discomfort during his three-set semi-final win over Jakub Mensik.

In the tiebreak, Djokovic recovered from 3-5 down and saved a Fritz set point at 5-6 before sealing the win on his first match point.

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In his press conference, Djokovic was asked if the physical issue he took a medical timeout for against Fritz was different to the problem he was dealing with in his previous match.

“Yeah, it was a little bit different, but again, both are not concerning me at the moment, knowing that I went through and finished the match, both yesterday and today, so good news,” he explained in his press conference.

Djokovic, who will face Jannik Sinner in a blockbuster Shanghai final, was also asked what he will have to do against the world No 1.

“Well, I won’t share that with you, but as I said, he’s in form the last 12 months, best player in the world, incredible tennis, just so consistent, and player to beat, no doubt, particularly on hard court,” Djokovic said.

“He knows my game, I know his game. We haven’t played since Australia this year. Yeah, I’m hoping for the best, you know, it’s going to take my highest level to win.”

The tennis legend also addressed having the chance to win his 100th ATP title in the Shanghai final.

“I obviously came to Shanghai after five years of not playing in China, the place where I’ve always had great success, both in Shanghai and Beijing tournaments,” the world No 4 said in an on-court interview.

“Many titles and great battles and great performances. I’ve said it many times, the support I’m getting here is tremendous and incredible. That creates an energy that keeps me going and keeps me running.

“I did come here this year with a vision or desire to get to the final and fight for a 100th title. I get that chance against the best player in the world. Let’s see what happens.”

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