BY : Osabuohien Imuetinyanosa
In a display of indomitable resilience and tactical mastery,
Serbian tennis stalwart Novak Djokovic navigated the treacherous quarter-final gauntlet against Belgium’s spirited Zizou Bergs, emerging victorious 6-3, 7-5 at the Shanghai Masters on Thursday, October 9, 2025. This hard-fought triumph marks Djokovic’s 10th semi-final appearance in Shanghai, orchestrating a captivating clash with the tournament’s surprise protagonist, world number 204 Valentin Vacherot.
Djokovic’s Grueling Ascendancy
– Herculean Effort: Djokovic contended with sweltering conditions mirroring earlier trials, including a visceral third-round encounter against Yannick Hanfmann where he overcame heat-induced adversity, even vomiting mid-match.
– Bergs’ Tenacious Display:
The Belgian opponent showcased remarkable fortitude, saving five set points in the opener before Djokovic clinched the set with an unreturned serve. Bergs registered more winners than Djokovic but succumbed to unforced errors.
– *Epic Rally*: A breathtaking exchange saw Djokovic thwart Bergs’ five net opportunities, electrifying the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena crowd.
Valentin Vacherot’s Fairytale Odyssey
– Stunning Upset: Vacherot, ranked 204, stunned 10th seed Holger Rune 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-4 – becoming the second-lowest ranked player to reach an ATP Masters semi-final.
– Top 100 Horizon: This fairytale run propels Vacherot into the top 100 next week, overcoming a six-month injury layoff that cast doubt on his Shanghai participation.
– Alternate Entry:
Vacherot entered as an alternate, unsure of qualifying; his Shanghai journey includes conquests over four seeded players.
– Physical Mastery:
After Rune dominated the opening set, Vacherot turned the tide with a sublime backhand winner in the second-set tiebreak, capitalizing on Rune’s physical fatigue.
Quotable Insights
– *Djokovic on Vacherot*: “Amazing story for him. This tournament has taken out top players… it’s really impressive what he’s doing”.
– *Vacherot’s Aspiration*: “It would mean a lot to play at least one of the guys of the ‘Big Three’ in my career,” reflecting on facing Djokovic.
– Djokovic on Conditions:
“Very challenging conditions… just trying to stay alive on the court”.
Tournament Ramifications
– Semi-Final Showdown: Djokovic vs. Vacherot promises intrigue at the Shanghai Masters.
– Family Ties: Vacherot’s cousin Arthur Rinderknech advances to quarters, facing Felix Auger-Aliassime Friday.
– Djokovic’s Pursuit:
Seeking his 41st Masters 1000 title, absent top contenders like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz on his path.
