Novak Djokovic’s opponent goes off script after Shanghai Masters defeat | Tennis | Sport
Novak Djokovic received a classy message from Zizou Bergs after beating the Belgian in the quarter-finals of the Shanghai Masters. The veteran Serb was made to work hard but prevailed in straight sets to book a last-four meeting with Valentin Vacherot. It means Djokovic is just two games away from winning his first title since the US Open two years ago.
It was a tough night for both players, with the sweltering conditions making it hard to get into any sort of rhythm. Djokovic, however, was able to play some of his best tennis of the tournament to secure a 6-3 7-5 victory. After the final point of the match, the two rivals embraced at the net in a fine display of sportsmanship.
On his way to greet Djokovic, Bergs went off-script with an honest message to his opponent. He simply said: “I’ve got to stop idolising you!”
Djokovic, meanwhile, made a worrying statement in his post-match interview as he reflected on the energy-sapping conditions. He admitted that he was ‘just trying to stay alive’, having collapsed on the court in his previous victory over Jaume Munar.
“I was just trying to stay alive, to be honest, on the court,” he said. “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.”
Djokovic will be hoping to maintain his winning form against Vacherot, who has emerged as the surprise package of the tournament. He is currently ranked 204th in the world but will break into the top 100 when the list is updated on Monday.
Vacherot broke down in tears after being Holger Rune earlier on Thursday and could hardly believe that he had won, saying afterwards: “I didn’t come as a qualifier, I came as an alternate. I wasn’t even sure I was going to play qualifying.
“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.”
