Novak Djokovic Suffers Shock Defeat in Shanghai Masters Opener
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Novak Djokovic suffered an early exit from the Shanghai Masters on Friday after losing in straight sets to Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in the round of 64.
Hurkacz, the 2023 Shanghai Masters champion, secured a 6-4, 6-3 victory over the 39-year-old Serbian star in one hour and 28 minutes. The result came just three days after Djokovic celebrated another title-winning performance at the China Open in Beijing.
The former world number one admitted that he struggled to find his rhythm on the court, describing the playing surface in Shanghai as significantly faster than the conditions he experienced in Beijing.
Djokovic also praised Hurkacz’s powerful serve, which proved difficult to handle throughout the match.
Hurkacz Records First Career Win Over Djokovic
The Polish player delivered a confident performance, recording 13 aces and making the most of important opportunities to secure his first victory over Djokovic in nine meetings on the professional tour.
Djokovic faced difficulties returning Hurkacz’s serve and was unable to adapt to the conditions quickly enough. A double fault in the fourth game of the second set helped Hurkacz secure a crucial break and move ahead 3-1.
The Polish player maintained his advantage and served out the match to complete an impressive victory.
Hurkacz had also reached the semi-finals in Beijing but was forced to end that match early because of a strained muscle.
Following his win in Shanghai, he will face either Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti or Chinese wildcard Zhou Yi in the third round.
Alexander Zverev Survives Tough Challenge
Earlier in the day, Germany’s Alexander Zverev advanced to the next round after defeating Chinese wildcard Wu Yibing 6-4, 7-6(7/4).
The top seed faced a difficult second set against the world number 113, who pushed him into a tie-break after taking an important lead late in the set.
Zverev also experienced a worrying moment when he dived for a shot and appeared to hurt his left ankle. However, he continued playing, held his serve and eventually secured the victory in the tie-break.
The German praised Wu’s aggressive approach and acknowledged the quality of his opponent’s performance.
Zverev will next meet France’s Quentin Halys as he continues his campaign in Shanghai.
Ben Shelton Celebrates Birthday with Victory
American third seed Ben Shelton marked his 24th birthday with a hard-fought win over Germany’s Daniel Altmaier.
Shelton prevailed 6-3, 7-6(8/6), booking his place in the third round, where he is scheduled to face France’s Arthur Gea.
The American joked about his birthday celebrations during an on-court interview, revealing that he was not particularly fond of cake.
Mannarino and Sakamoto Produce Upsets
France’s Adrian Mannarino recorded another notable result by defeating sixth seed Flavio Cobolli of Italy 6-1, 4-6, 6-3.
Mannarino will now face Russia’s Karen Khachanov in the next round.
Meanwhile, Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto eliminated Russian player Andrey Rublev with a 6-4, 6-4 victory. Sakamoto will next take on ninth seed Alex de Minaur.
Djokovic’s departure adds another unexpected result to the Shanghai Masters, while Hurkacz will look to build on his breakthrough victory as the tournament progresses.
