Shanghai Masters 2024: Novak Djokovic survives almighty scare against Jakub Mensik with Taylor Fritz in semi-finals
ATP
Novak Djokovic has come from a set down to reach the semi-finals of the 2024 Shanghai Masters in China where he will face a familiar and favored adversary in Taylor Fritz.
This perhaps was the polar opposite to this task as he faced Jakub Mensik who had nothing to lose and also idolised Djokovic having received help from in the past.
Help that nearly came back to bite Djokovic on the rear end as Mensik produced an epic first set retort to take it in the tie-break and put Djokovic in trouble. But these ties are often what are the making of Djokovic who usually tends to find a way through.
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After a back and forth opening salvo, Mensik lost his serve but broke straight back at 5-5. He then made it 6-5 hold his serve after breaking to put himself in the drivers seat albeit only towards a tie-break. One that Djokovic led 3-0. But Mensik turned it around with three straight points from 4-4 to seal the set.
Albeit it soon turned in favour of Djokovic who thrashed Mensik in the second set breaking twice to seal it 6-1. Djokovic started to produce his best and broke for 3-2 in the final set before surging into a 5-3 lead. Mensik troubled him but Djokovic managed to use that break to serve it out and move through.
A real tough test averted but one that Djokovic who has barely played this season will be all the better for as he jousts a player with one of his best winning records against.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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