The Quarter Finals of the Shanghai Masters 2024 are done and dusted and we have our semi-finalists. Let’s take a look at the results of today’s matches
Novak Djokovic vs Jakub Mensik
Novak Djokovic is just two wins from hitting a century of titles after beating young Czech teenager Jakub Mensik 6-7 (4/7), 6-1, 6-4. It was not easy at all for the 24-time grand slam champion as the young Mensik won the first set and was constantly challenging Djokovic in long rallies. However, in true Novak fashion, the Serbian came back winning the rest of the two sets winning the match. Djokovic will now face US Open Finalist Taylor Fritz for a place in the final.
After the match, Djokovic shared some emotional words for his great rival Nadal who announced his retirement:
“[Nadal] has been my greatest rival. The rivalry I had with him has impacted me the most in my career by far,"
"We knew that that moment is coming sooner than later, but it's still a shock, you know.
"Roger a few years ago, when he announced retirement, and Andy as well this year. I mean, it's a bit overwhelming for me to be honest.
"I don't know what to make out of it. I still enjoy competing. But part of me left with them, a big part of me.”
“A big part of me left with them” 🥹
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 11, 2024
Novak Djokovic on Nadal’s retirement announcement @DjokerNole #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/Y5UtOThfg8
Taylor Fritz vs David Goffin
American star Taylor Fritz also made it to the semifinals at a Masters 1000 event for the fifth time! He took down David Goffin in straight sets 6-4, 6-3 on Friday morning. Fritz broke Goffin's serve in the second and sixth games to win the opening set in a comfortable manner.
Goffin started looking stronger as the match went on, but he couldn't quite find the same magic that helped him stun the second seed German Alexander Zverev in the previous round. Now, Fritz is up against Djokovic. Although Djokovic has a 9-0 record against Fritz, it's going to be interesting to see how this one plays out!
“It’s been feeling pretty good actually, all things considered! At this time of the year it’s important to remember it’s been a long season,” Fritz said on court after his win.
“I think everybody has something going on and something bothering them. There’s some aches here and there, but we are just doing our best to finish strong!”
Will Djokovic win his 100th title in Shanghai? Comment and let us know.
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