Novak Djokovic failed to claim the fifth Shanghai title on Sunday, falling to Jannik Sinner in straight sets. However, the Serb claimed many records by reaching the final, including a notable one in the age category. Novak became the second Masters 1000 finalist after turning 37, joining Roger Federer on the exclusive list.
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The Swiss maestro became the first 37-year-old in a Masters 1000 final in Cincinnati 2018 and cemented his status as the oldest Masters 1000 finalist in March 2019 in Indian Wells and Miami. Djokovic can also chase Masters 1000 crowns after the 37th birthday, defeating five rivals at his beloved event and reaching the title clash.
Competing in China for the first time since 2019, Novak faced Alex Michelsen in the second round and prevailed 7-6, 7-6 in an hour and 55 minutes for a winning start. The young gun fought well against the legend, leading 4-1 in the opening set with an early break and overcoming a 4-1 deficit in set number two to extend his chances.
Michelsen squandered two set points in the second tie break, falling after a valiant effort. Djokovic faced five break points and defended three while seizing two of seven opportunities on the return, prevailing in the pivotal moments and moving over the top without playing a decider.
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World no. 4 landed 34 winners and 23 unforced errors, outplaying the young opponent in the mid-range and most advanced exchanges. Flavio Cobolli faced his idol in the third round and suffered a 6-1, 6-2 loss in swift 63 minutes, propelling Djokovic into the last 16.
The Serb took charge on serve and return, dropping seven points in his games and mounting the pressure on the other side. Novak provided over half of the return points, converting four of nine break points and sailing over the top.
The four-time champion had the upper hand after landing 20 direct points and 14 mistakes, overpowering his opponent from the baseline and at the net.
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Novak Djokovic played the final in Shanghai at 37 years and four months.
Djokovic faced no issues against Roman Safiulin, beating the Russian for the third time from as many duels after a 6-3, 6-2 win in 73 minutes.
Novak lost four points behind the first serve and saved all three break points, challenging his rival to chase those numbers to stay competitive. Roman suffered three breaks, losing ground in the second set and sending world no.
4 into his 95th Masters 1000 quarter-final. The Serb battled against the young Czech Jakub Mensik and prevailed 6-7, 6-1, 6-4 in two hours and 19 minutes. Djokovic dropped a tight opener and stayed composed, serving well in sets two and three en route to his ninth Shanghai Masters semi-final.
Mensik delivered a crucial return game at 4-5 in the opening set and stole it in the tie break. The veteran took charge in the second set and provided a crucial break in the middle of the final set for a place in the last four.
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Novak embraced his tenth duel versus Taylor Fritz and defeated the American for the tenth time, prevailing 6-4, 7-6 in an hour and 59 minutes and becoming the second-oldest Masters 1000 finalist.
The Serb injured his left leg in the fifth game of the second set and felt pain in his hip, requiring a medical timeout but sealing the deal in straight sets. Djokovic served at 70% and denied two break points in the only challenging service game in set number two.
Fritz gave everything to stay in touch, saving eight of nine break points but extending his terrible streak against the Serb. Novak claimed the opener with a single break and saved a set point in the tie break to emerge at the top and avoid spending more time on the court.
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The veteran had the upper hand from the baseline, targeting the rival's backhand and building the advantage in the shortest and most advanced exchanges.
Djokovic chased his 100th ATP title against world no.
1 Jannik Sinner and fell 7-6, 6-3 in an hour and 37 minutes, losing his first Shanghai Masters final. The Italian beat the GOAT for the fourth time in the previous five duels, prevailing in the opener and providing a single break in the fourth game of set number two that carried him over the top.
It was a tight battle, with Jannik taking five points more than Novak. Sinner did not face a break point, keeping the pressure on Djokovic and sealing the deal en route to his third Masters 1000 title of the season. Jannik landed 22 winners and 17 unforced errors, reducing the 24-time Major winner to 12 winners.
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The Italian played better at the net and generated the advantage in the shortest range up to four strokes, attacking first and keeping the points on his racquet.
