At 38 years and four months, Novak Djokovic continues to defy time and expectations! The Serb defeated two rivals at the Shanghai Masters to advance into the last 16 and write ultimate Masters 1000 history.
Djokovic will play in the last 16 at this level of competition for the 112th time, equaling Rafael Nadal's all-time record. The latest milestone underscores the Serb's remarkable longevity and consistency at the pinnacle of men's tennis.
Novak's first Masters 1000 last 16 appearance came 18 years ago in Paris. He has remained a formidable force ever since, blending relentless athleticism with tactical brilliance.
Over the years, the Belgrade native has turned Masters 1000 events into his personal arena of excellence, lifting 40 titles and holding almost every notable record at this level, including sharing the latest one with his greatest rival.
The veteran had to dig deep in two matches to reach the last 16 in Shanghai, overcoming formidable rivals and brutal conditions to remain on the title course, his second of the season.
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His journey to his record-tying moment reflects on his talent and unyielding commitment to excellence. Despite achieving everything our sport has to offer, the 38-year-old remains as driven as ever, looking eager to challenge players nearly two decades his junior.
Focusing on the most notable tournaments, Djokovic still dreams about big titles and victories over Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. After all, he reached all four Major semi-finals in 2025, a remarkable feat considering his age.
His commitment and dedication redefine the limits of endurance and excellence in modern tennis. By matching Nadal's benchmark,Djokovic reaffirms his greatness and the most extraordinary rivalry in the Open era.
Without Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in the draw, the Serb is among the title favorites in Shanghai. With or without that, his latest record is a testament to his enduring brilliance.
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To illustrate the achievement, imagine a player entering all nine Masters 1000 events of the season. He needs to embrace 12 and a half seasons of full schedule without losing before the last 16 to match Rafa and Novak, who will soon become alone at the top.
