Novak Djokovic showcased his exceptional skills at the Shanghai Masters by decisively defeating Italian rising star Flavio Cobolli, advancing to the last 16 with a convincing score of 6-1, 6-2 in just over an hour. The 37-year-old Serbian demonstrated his experience and sharpness, leaving little room for his younger opponent, who had grown up idolizing the 24-time Grand Slam champion. Cobolli struggled to match Djokovic's anticipation and precision during rallies, resulting in a match where the Serbian lost only seven points on his serve.
Next, Djokovic will face Russia's Roman Safiullin in the quest for a quarter-final spot. The world number four is targeting his 100th career title, a milestone only reached by Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer, with this achievement serving as an additional source of motivation as he competes in this ATP 1,000 event. This marks Djokovic's first appearance in Shanghai since 2019, highlighting the significance of the tournament for him.
As Djokovic focuses on the most important events of his career, he has intentionally reduced his schedule, leading to one of the lowest match counts in a season since 2005. His dominant performance against Cobolli was a reminder of the formidable challenge he poses on the court, regardless of his fewer appearances this year.
Following his victory, Djokovic reflected on his game, noting, "I was pretty sharp," and emphasized the importance of having a clear strategy from the outset. He mentioned his focus on remaining aggressive and capitalizing on every opportunity to control the points. His satisfaction with his performance underscores his readiness for the challenges ahead in the tournament.
ADD A COMMENT :