Novak Djokovic suffered a defeat at the Shanghai Masters on Friday, falling 6:4, 6:3 to Polish player Hubert Hurkacz in the second round, SPORT1 reported. The 39-year-old Grand Slam record champion dropped the encounter just three days after claiming the title at the China Open in Beijing.
Hubert Hurkacz Secures First Career Victory Over Novak Djokovic in Shanghai
The second-round clash lasted one hour and 27 minutes on the hard courts in Shanghai, according to Tennis World DE. Hubert Hurkacz delivered a nearly flawless performance to notch his first win against Novak Djokovic in nine career meetings. The Polish player utilized his strong serve and maintained the initiative in key moments, neutralizing the rhythm of his opponent.
Novak Djokovic arrived in Shanghai on a high after securing his 102nd career title in Beijing, where he defeated Alexander Zverev earlier in the week. However, the Serbian star struggled physically as the match progressed. According to tennisnet.com, Novak Djokovic did not even sit down on his bench during a changeover midway through the second set, indicating visible fatigue and discomfort.
Break Points and Service Dominance Shape the Match
Hubert Hurkacz kept pressure on Novak Djokovic throughout the baseline rallies. Tennis World DE reported that the Polish player earned five break opportunities across the match and successfully converted one in each set. Novak Djokovic earned just two break chances in the third game of the opening set, both of which Hubert Hurkacz saved.
In the ninth game of the first set, Hubert Hurkacz advanced toward the baseline during Novak Djokovic’s service game and converted a set point with a direct forehand return after 53 minutes. In the second set, the Polish player dropped only a few points on his serve before breaking Novak Djokovic in the fourth game. Despite saving two additional break points in the sixth game, Novak Djokovic could not bridge the gap as Hubert Hurkacz served out the match at 5:3.
Chasing ATP Finals Qualification Amid a Busy Autumn Schedule
The unexpected exit in Shanghai deals a significant blow to Novak Djokovic’s bid for the ATP Finals, an event the 25-time major champion is actively trying to reach this season, as noted by tennisnet.com. Twelve months prior, Novak Djokovic had advanced to the tournament’s semifinals before losing to eventual champion Valentin Vacherot.
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