Novak Djokovic advanced to the Shanghai Masters semifinals with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Belgium's Zizou Bergs on Thursday, but the 24-time Grand Slam champion admitted lingering concerns about his physical condition. The 38-year-old Serbian, now the highest-ranked player remaining, faces qualifier Valentin Vacherot – ranked 204th globally – in what promises to be a clash of contrasting narratives.
"I'm concerned too," Djokovic told reporters when asked about fan worries regarding his health, describing ongoing "issues that I'm trying to address day by day." The tennis legend declined specifics but emphasized his focus on recovery: "I'm still in the tournament. So I prefer just focusing on recovery and trying to give it all."
Vacherot's journey to the semifinals reads like a sports fairytale. The Monaco-based player wasn't even guaranteed a qualifying spot initially, yet battled back from a set down to stun world No. 11 Holger Rune 2-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4. "It's unreal to face Djokovic," said the 26-year-old, who credited his physical resilience: "My body feels amazing… In the end it was just all about nerves and fitness."
The semifinal matchup highlights tennis' unpredictable drama – a struggling champion facing an ascendant underdog in China's financial capital. While Djokovic seeks his fifth Shanghai title, Vacherot aims to extend a career-defining run that saw him kneel in disbelief after defeating Rune.
