ATP Tour

Stayin' alive in Shanghai! Djokovic tops Bergs for M1000 history

Novak Djokovic has not had it easy at the 2025 Rolex Shanghai Masters, but the Serbian remains on course for a record-extending fifth title at the ATP Masters 1000.

The former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings on Thursday overcame Zizou Bergs 6-3, 6-4 to book his semi-final spot in China. With his victory, the 38-year-old Serbian became the oldest semi-finalist in Masters 1000 history.

Djokovic, who battled through a leg issue and exhaustion in the Shanghai heat during his fourth-round win against Jaume Munar, again struggled physically during the opening set against Bergs. Yet he shook off what appeared to be a problem with his left foot to advance to reach the last four at a Masters 1000 event for a record-extending 80th time.

The Serbian ended the match having saved four of five break points he faced, according to Infosys ATP Stats. He is now 27-0 for the season after winning the first set.

Djokovic initially served for the match after breaking Bergs’ serve for 5-4 in the second set, but a spirited Bergs immediately drew level with a high-quality return game. In the next game, Djokovic repelled four Bergs overheads and a swinging volley to prevail in one of the points of the tournament en route to breaking serve again, and this time the 100-time tour-level titlist made no mistake in closing out his win.

THE GREAT WALL OF NOVAK DJOKOVIC 🙅‍♂️@DjokerNole | @SH_RolexMasters | #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/FOVpc7wUK6

— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 9, 2025

“I was just trying to stay alive to be honest on the court," reflected Djokovic after his maiden Lexus ATP Head2Head clash with the 26-year-old Bergs. "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 is now two wins away from a record-extending 41st Masters 1000 crown, and his first since the 2023 Rolex Paris Masters. Standing between him and a spot in the Shanghai championship match is Valentin Vacherot, after the Monegasque qualifier earlier upset 10th seed Holger Rune 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-4.