“It would be disrespectful to call it easy”: Novak Djokovic defends Zizou Bergs after straight-sets win

Novak Djokovic continues his impressive campaign at the Shanghai Masters, reaching the semifinals after a straight-sets victory over Zizou Bergs (6-3, 7-5). The World No. 1 is now just two wins away from lifting another title in China, where he has already claimed four crowns. The Serbian, who has been battling minor physical issues throughout the week, is set to face surprise semifinalist Valentin Vacherot next.

When asked whether his quarterfinal win looked easy, Djokovic was quick to dismiss that notion. He expressed deep respect for his opponent and admitted that, despite appearances, the encounter was anything but simple. “Today’s match may have seemed easy for you, but I assure you it wasn’t easy. There’s no easy victory at this level. Zizou Bergs played incredible tennis throughout this tournament. I believe it would be disrespectful to him to call it an easy win,” he stated.

Djokovic also shared that he has been managing various physical issues during the tournament, although his condition seems to be improving. “My leg felt good today. It seems like something is always happening with my body in almost every match I play right now. There are other issues I’m dealing with every day, and I hope everything improves as the tournament progresses. I have a rest day before my semifinal, which is really positive. I’ll come back with the right attitude and the intention to win,” he said confidently.

Even after years of dominance and countless trophies, Djokovic still finds moments that move him. When asked if something still surprises him in tennis, he reflected on one of his greatest sources of inspiration. “I would say Wimbledon’s Centre Court. Stepping on that court is a feeling unlike any other. I know that most players dream of playing and winning there, so I consider myself privileged to have lifted that trophy several times,” Djokovic explained.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion has now reached 10 semifinals in 11 appearances at the Shanghai Masters—an unmatched record that highlights his comfort competing in China. Djokovic acknowledged that the local crowd has played an essential role in his success. “It’s no secret that I love playing in China. The support from the crowd makes me feel very comfortable; it boosts my morale. When you feel low on energy on the court, they lift you up,” he commented.

He admitted that energy has been a challenge for him this week, but the fans’ enthusiasm has been decisive. “I’ve struggled a bit with my energy levels. Every time an opportunity arises, the crowd senses it and starts cheering me on. I hear that noise, those shouts, and that energy serves as a bellows. I’m enjoying it. As much as I’m suffering, at the same time, I enjoy playing in front of this audience,” said Djokovic.

One of the highlights of the match came late in the second set, when Djokovic produced an extraordinary defensive rally, saving five shots before turning the point around. It has already been described as one of the best points of the year. The Serbian, however, joked about preferring shorter rallies these days. “Honestly, right now I prefer shorter exchanges,” he laughed. “Especially in those moments of the match. It was 30-0, I lost my serve when serving for the match; then he was 30-0, and I managed to level it. I could read his serve… I have to say, the last defense I made in that point, where the ball practically hit me—I don’t know how I did it, honestly.

"I was just trying to give myself a chance to stay in the point. Yes, it probably ended up being the pivotal point of the match.”

As Djokovic prepares for his next match against Vacherot, he remains one of the strongest favourites for the title, even while admitting that his body is not at 100%. His drive, precision, and connection with the crowd continue to fuel him as he chases yet another title in China.