Novak Djokovic will compete in the fourth round of the Shanghai Masters for the 11th time from as many trips to one of his favorite tournaments. The four-time champion faced a qualifier Yannick Hanfmann in the third round.
The legend prevailed 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 after grueling two hours and 42minutes in challenging conditions. The Serb provided a late break in the second set and moved over the top with a single return game in the decider.
Novak took 14 points more and made the difference with his first serve. He denied two of three break points and stole the rival's serve two times from only three opportunities.
Djokovic tamed his strokes nicely and landed 26 winners and 9 unforced errors. He forged the advantage from the baseline, while Hanfmann stayed in touch in service winners and at the net.
A qualifier made a reliable start and attacked in the opening set. He tamed his strokes nicely and provided five comfortable holds. Yannick broke Novak in the third game and held at 5-4 to bring the first part of the duel home.
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Djokovic had no room for errors in the second set and delivered six holds without issues. The German followed that pace and almost reached a tie break.
However, Novak finally stepped in on the return at 6-5 and provided a break at 15 after a stunning point that gave him a massive boost. The Serb held after a deuce in the first game of the final set.
He kept everything under control in his games in the remaining ones and secured a decisive break in the fourth game. Djokovic delivered three marvelous holds by the end of the duel, sealing the deal at 5-3 and booking his place in the last 16.
