Survival of the Fittest in Shanghai! Djokovic Triumphs Over Bergs for M1000 Milestone
Serbian star set to clash with qualifier Vacherot in his 80th ATP Masters 1000 semi-final
October 09, 2025
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic fends off Zizou Bergs in Thursday’s Shanghai quarter-finals.
By Andy West
Despite facing numerous challenges at the 2025 Rolex Shanghai Masters, Novak Djokovic is determined to capture a record-extending fifth title in the ATP Masters 1000 series.
On Thursday, the former World No. 1 conquered Zizou Bergs with a score of 6-3, 6-4, securing his semi-final position in China. With this triumph, the 38-year-old Serbian has become the oldest player to reach the semi-finals in Masters 1000 history.
Djokovic, previously struggling with a leg issue and fatigue in the stifling Shanghai heat during his fourth-round match against Jaume Munar, faced more physical battles in the early stages against Bergs. However, he managed to persevere through discomfort in his left foot, advancing to the final four at a Masters 1000 event for a remarkable 80th time.
According to Infosys ATP Stats, Djokovic saved four out of five break points during the match, maintaining an impressive 27-0 record for the season after winning the first set.
Djokovic initially aimed to seal the match after breaking Bergs’ serve at 5-4 in the second set. However, Bergs quickly leveled the score with a stunning return game. In a thrilling next game, Djokovic displayed remarkable defense against four overheads from Bergs, ultimately breaking serve again and sealing his victory with precision.
THE GREAT WALL OF NOVAK DJOKOVIC 🙅♂️@DjokerNole | @SH_RolexMasters | #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/FOVpc7wUK6
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 9, 2025
Reflecting on his match with Bergs, Djokovic stated, “To be honest, I was just trying to stay alive on the court. This was my first encounter with Bergs, and he’s a formidable player. At times, my strategy was to keep the ball in play and force him into errors, which ultimately worked. I felt I should have finished the match at 5-4, but he really stepped up his game.”
“These conditions have been quite tough for everyone, but I’m relieved to have overcome this challenge.”
Now, Djokovic is just two victories away from capturing his record-extending 41st Masters 1000 title, and his first since the 2023 Rolex Paris Masters. Up next is an encounter with Valentin Vacherot, the Monegasque qualifier who recently upset 10th seed Holger Rune with a score of 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-4.
