He might be 38-years-old but Novak Djokovic still knows his way around a tennis court.
Despite battling fatigue and issues with his calf and ankle, Djokovic found a way past Jaume Munar to reach another ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal.
Things could get much better, too, with Djokovic due to play Zizou Bergs in the last eight.
The heat and humidity on the courts in Shanghai have led to many calling for changes to be made to tennis, and it was a struggle for the 24-time Grand Slam champion on Monday.
Djokovic has got a golden chance to make a statement on the tour, and he will almost certainly be the heavy favourite to win from here.
Novak Djokovic posts a message on social media after refusing an on-court interview
Djokovic was given a scare by Yannick Hanfmann in the last 16, and this match proved even tougher.
His game was so gruelling that after the win, he didn’t stick around to have a microphone stuck under his nose, instead, he raced off the court to get treatment.
Djokovic was clearly aware he’d not delivered a message to his fans, however, and posted something on Instagram instead.
He said: “Tough day at the office. Very challenging physically. Luckily, I have the greatest support in the world.”
Djokovic makes history during win at the Shanghai Masters
The legendary Serbian player is on the charge once again, and he’ll never have a better chance to get over the line and win a Masters 1000 event.
Jannik Sinner withdrew against Tallon Griekspoor, whilst Carlos Alcaraz returned home after winning the Japan Open, choosing not to play in the event.
Djokovic has now made history as the oldest player to ever reach the quarterfinals at a Masters 1000 event since they officially formed in 1990.
His age of 38 years and 133 days has eclipsed Roger Federer, who was 38 years and 60 days when he reached the last eight of the same tournament in 2019.
Djokovic should now have a good chance of winning this event and that should give his confidence the world of good going into the ATP Finals in Turin.
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