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 38-year-old overcame two formidable rivals and booked his place in the last 16.
After prevailing over Marin Cilic in the second round, the four-time champion battled against Yannick Hanfmann and earned a 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 victory in two hours and 42 minutes in challenging conditions.
Facing an aggressive opponent who dictated the pace for much of the opening two sets, Novak found himself on the ropes but refused to yield.
Hanfmann did not fear to step in, taking the ball early and attacking relentlessly. He pushed the legend into a defensive mode, but Djokovic knew how to raise his level in the pivotal moments, relying on patience, movement and defensive precision before the German lost the ground a bit on serve.
It was a victory built on endurance as muchas skill. At 38 and four months, Novak endured oppressive humidity and nearly three hours in front of the crowd that chanted his name and gave him a boost.
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The Serb dropped the opening set. However, his trademark grit and mental toughness once again proved decisive, earning him a place in the last 16 and the new layer ofadmiration of the Shanghai crowd.
They fueled his drive, and the veteran responded with another memorable encounter they should long remember.
"Yannick played an incredible match right from the start. Despite challenging conditions, I could not ask for more, competing for nearly three hours in front of the crowd that chanted my name at 38 in the third round of a Masters 1000 event.
This is like a dream for me. It was an incredible battle, and Yannick was close to beating me. He outplayed me for a set and a half. I could only hang in and work on my comeback to remain in contention.
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He took the ball early, hit very fast and pressured me. I'm proud to overcome this test," Novak Djokovic said.
