Novak Djokovic Makes History as Oldest ATP 1000 Semi-Finalist at Shanghai Masters
Novak Djokovic has once again proven that age is simply a number. The 24-time Grand Slam champion and Serbian icon has become the oldest player ever to reach an ATP 1000semi-final, following a gritty performance at the Shanghai Masters.
At 38, Djokovic displayed the poise and adaptability that have defined his career. His 6- 3, 7- 5 palm over Belgium’s Zizou Bergs wasn’t smooth sailing.
There were enterprises beforehand, a brief dread with his left Achilles, and clear signs of fatigue from Tuesday’s bruising contest against Jaume Munar.
Yet, in trademark fashion, Djokovic acclimated his meter, rediscovered his sharpness, and methodically disassembled Bergs’ resistance.
It wasn’t just physical abstinence that carried him through. It was the mindset. The calm. The belief. Djokovic refused to let discomfort mandate his pace, responding to every challenge with clinical perfection.
As one commentator noted, “It’s remarkable how Djokovic still finds another gear when it matters most.”
This palm not only marks another semi-final for the world No. 1 but also reinforces his standing as a dateless force in men’s tennis.
Standing between Djokovic and another ATP Masters 1000 final is Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot, a relative freshman who stunned Holger Rune with a spectacular comeback, 2- 6, 7- 6( 7- 4), 6- 4.
The brace will meet in Saturday’s largely anticipated semi-final, broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis. Suckers are eager to see whether Vacherot can hold his whim-whams against one of the sport’s topmost internal tacticians.
Novak Djokovic continues to defy age, breaking his own record as the oldest player to qualify for an ATP Masters tournament semi-final. #ShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/lKGpqncnfB
— SBOTOP (@sbotopofcl) October 9, 2025
Djokovic, chasing a record-extending 41st ATP 1000 title, is really the favourite, but as Shanghai has shown, nothing is predictable on these courts.
The quarter tests are brimming with high-stakes matches. Daniil Medvedev takes on Alex De Minaur in what promises to be a political masterclass, while Arthur Rinderknech faces Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Especially absent are Carlos Alcaraz, who decided out of the event, and Jannik Sinner, forced to retire after suffering cramps mid-match in the third round. Their absence has only amplified the limelight on Djokovic’s grim pursuit of history.
While Djokovic dominates captions in Shanghai, the Wuhan Open is delivering its own drama.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka continues her scorching form, claiming her 19th straight win with a 6- 3, 6- 2 triumph over Liudmila Samsonova. She now faces Elena Rybakina, who dispatched Linda Noskova 6- 3, 6- 4.
Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek battled through a tense hassle with Belinda Bencic, prevailing 7- 6( 7- 2), 6- 4, to book a quarter-final spot against Jasmine Paolini.
American star Jessica Pegula also impressed, prostrating Ekaterina Alexandrova 7- 5, 3- 6, 6- 3.
And Coco Gauff? Effortless. The young American powered past China’s Zhang Shuai in straight sets and said afterward, “It was a good match. A bit up and down but happy to be in the next round.”
The ATP and WTA tenures continue to bring stimulating tennis action to the global cult. suckers in the UK can catch every serve, rally, and upset live on Sky Sports or sluice via Here and Now.
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In Shanghai, Novak Djokovic isn’t just chasing another title; he’s defying time itself. Each step, each swing, each comeback adds another subcaste to a formerly unmatched heritage.
