Djokovic Steamrolls Isner to Reach Shanghai Quarterfinals
- by Grant Boone
- in Sports
- — Oct 12, 2019
First of all, Djokovic was beaten in three sets by Stefanos Tsitsipas, with the Greek man not even needing any of his rumoured "clutch" ability to get past Djokovic, generating seven break point chances to the Serb's solitary opportunity which saw him convert early in the opening set en route to taking a 1-0 lead.
In other action early on Thursday at Shanghai, Daniil Medvedev defeated Vasek Pospisil, 7-6 (7), 7-5, while Fabio Fognini knocked off Karen Khachanov 6-3 7-5.
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer face tricky quarter-final matches at the Shanghai Masters on Friday after the star pair battled through to the last eight.
"He deserved the victory, he used to be the better player", talked about the 32-yr-aged Serbian, who had regarded imperious up unless now.
"He was backing up his serve with really good and aggressive first shots in the rally".
"I never really felt like I had the upper hand against David today", said the 20-time Grand Slam victor, who looked unusually flustered at times.
The sixth-ranked Zverev faces Austria's Dominic Thiem or Matteo Berrettini of Italy within the semi-finals on Saturday.
In a quarterfinal match against Alexander Zverev at the Shanghai Masters, Federer hit a return volley into the net and was clearly frustrated.
It was a double celebration for Tsitsipas, who additionally confirmed his place within the prestigious season-ending ATP Finals. Tsitsipas will be filled with confidence following his win over Djokovic but the Greek superstar must continue playing his best tennis since Medvedev is in outstanding form.
Zverev, who has burst into life after a hard season, missed five match points in the second set, with Federer finding some magic to win five straight points from 40-0 at 6-5 and then saving two more in the tie-break.
Tsitsipas, runner-up at the China Open last week, continued to put the Serbian under pressure, though, and got the elusive break to level the match as he continued to unleash victor after winner.
However Tsitsipas discovered his ft within the second set, then went Three-1 up within the decider when Djokovic planted a forehand large on the third break level.
His point deduction came at 3-0 and 30-15 down in the third set, as the 38-year-old threatened to unravel and he pinged another ball towards the crowd.
The top two seeds were widely expected to contest the final but succumbed to Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev respectively.
US Open champion Nadal will not be any longer in Shanghai attributable to a wrist wretchedness. Federer only won the second set, as he took that 7-6 in a tight affair.
