Novak Djokovic makes ATP 1000 history with incredible Shanghai Masters win over Zizou Bergs

Novak Djokovic has been the wringer more than most go this season in one week with dizziness, illness, leg issues and exhaustion in the heat of the Shanghai Masters but it has been worth it for a supreme run that could yet gleam a title later this weekend.

Djokovic remains on course for what would be a record extending fifth title at the Shanghai Masters. He overcame Zizou Bergs 6-3, 6-4 to book his spot in China. With his victory the 38-year-old Serbian becomes the oldest semi-finalist in Masters 1000 history.

Djokovic struggled physically during the opening set against Bergs but he managed to shake off any physical issues with his left foot in particular giving him grief to advance to the last four. He saved four out of five break points he faced.

He initially served for the match after breaking Bergs serve for 5-4 in the second but a spirited riposte saw Bergs draw level at 5-5. Djokovic battled the Bergs overhead and a swinging volley to prevail though and he broke serve again before closing out the win.

“I was just trying to stay alive to be honest on the court," reflected Djokovic. "My first encounter with Bergs. He’s a great guy. Obviously, a lot of firepower in his game. At times I just tried to play an extra ball in the court and make him miss the ball, and that’s what happened. I should have closed out the match at 5-4. He played a good game, again I was a little bit too passive.

“Very challenging conditions these days for all the players, and I was just trying to stay alive on the court. I’m glad to overcome this hurdle.”

He is now only two wins away from a record-extending 41st Masters 1000 crown. Who faces him next? Valentin Vacherot. The Monegasque qualifier has had an incredible week and upset 10th seed Holger Rune earlier 2-6, 7-6, 6-4.

He is the second lowest-ranked semi-finalist in Masters 1000 history and the first since 1999 when World No.550 Chris Woodruff at 1999 Indian Wells. He will crack the top 100 for the first time next week as a result.

“I didn’t come as a qualifier, I came as an alternate. I wasn’t even sure I was going to play qualifying,” said Vacherot. “This is just unbelievable. The last win meant already so much to me. This one means even more.

“It was tough not to think about it on match point, also breaking the Top 100. I know this is just a step, but I tried not to look at the rankings for this whole tournament. I had read that if I won, I would break the Top 100, but this is just unbelievable for me. I cannot wait for [the semi-final]. I’m just so happy and living the dream.”

“First set, physically I was really shocked. That was a step above [what I am used to],” said Vacherot. “I already thought Tallon [Griekspoor, in the fourth round], tennis-wise, was playing really good. I was already shocked about that. Sascha Bublik, we know how he plays. You could expect any shot at any second. That’s why he’s so good.

“But today I was shocked by how [Rune] was defending. Points that I would win against 90 per cent of the guys, for him it was just a random ball. I felt like I was coming in and would have an easy volley. So the first set was pretty physical. My lungs were screaming a little bit, but that helped me a lot for the second set, because I just went off to change and it helped me to play a little bit more free.”