Novak Djokovic needed to work exhausting to interrupt down Jakub Mensik’s resistance and qualify for the semifinals of the Shanghai Rolex Masters for the ninth time in his profession. After shedding the primary set within the tiebreak, the Serbian champion raised his degree to come back again from behind in opposition to the 19-year-old Czech and shut the problem in three units.
On the finish of the match, Djokovic talked in regards to the situation of his knee and the ever-closer purpose of his one hundredth profession title, underlining how he desires to point out the world that he’s nonetheless among the finest – if not the most effective – tennis participant in exercise.
“It means extra as a result of I haven’t got numerous alternatives. I’ve a selective schedule and I have not performed at my finest degree this 12 months, besides perhaps just a few events: Wimbledon, Olympics. However China has all the time been a cheerful place, a spot the place I’ve performed my finest tennis in my total profession. So, you realize, these form of matches, in opposition to youngsters! It is one thing that motivates me, it retains me going and it pushes me to essentially dig deep, and to point out the world that I can nonetheless go forward with younger folks. I am very glad that I used to be capable of win this very difficult match,” he stated.
The Serbian champion additionally analyzed Mensik’s match, explaining: “Mentally I felt good. I felt fairly tense on the finish of the primary set, and I wasn’t taking part in my finest tennis at that second, so I used to be a little bit bit indignant with myself for not closing out the primary set. However I recovered, began the second set very properly, profitable 6-1. Within the third set I had numerous alternatives in his service video games, however his serve is extraordinary, very tough to beat. I’ve identified him for 3, 4 years, I’ve adopted his rise within the rankings, his growth. He is an excellent man, a really gifted participant, an amazing prospect. He has a vibrant future, for positive, if he continues like this. He is aware of he is one in every of my favourite gamers to observe and I all the time help him, so I hope there can be extra matches and nice battles.”
On the situation of his left knee, he added: “It is a unusual feeling, to be trustworthy, that I had for 2 factors within the match, however then every thing was advantageous. So, I hope that when it cools down I will not have any issues, as a result of I have already got issues with my proper knee, so it would not be good. Let’s examine how I really feel tomorrow. I feel you may all the time do higher, however I feel I performed very well on this match. I performed matches and tomorrow I’ve an opponent with an amazing serve in Taylor Fritz, so I’ve to be prepared for an additional tough and fought match. I do know what to anticipate, that is the time for me to attempt to enhance much more.”
Djokovic’s phrases will be prophetic: The Serbian champion can actually nonetheless be capable to win in opposition to anybody and in any match. He could also be happy with what he has achieved in his profession, however Nole nonetheless desires to push himself additional into the historical past of tennis.
That is what his opponents should not neglect: if Djokovic had carried out Djokovic, in 2024, Sinner would have had no possibilities in Melbourne and New York, for instance. The Serbian champion simply must regain an honest bodily form and, above all, need and motivation. The final tournaments of the season, until the ATP Finals, may also help him to realize again the belief he must undertaking himself to 2025 with a newfound will of win.