Novak Djokovic started his Shanghai Masters campaign against a very tricky player Alex Michelsen and he was able to win the match in two sets 7-6 (3), 7-6 (11-9). This is his first match on the ATP Tour since a shocking third-round exit at the US Open in August.
The American youngster Michelsen became his first real test after the US Open. Michelsen is one of tennis’ brightest and most exciting young players. The 20-year-old player possesses the biggest serves and groundstrokes on the ATP Tour. Djokovic last played for his country at Davis Cup against Greece. He didn’t face any challenging opponents.
Djokovic Needs To Get Rust Off
The 37-year-old Serb lost the opening three games against Alex Michelsen. Djokovic bounced back to take the first set on a tiebreak. He increased his aggression and managed to dictate the pace of the game in the second set. But Michelsen took advantage of a slight relaxation from the legend and suddenly leveled the match.
He then forced into another tiebreak in the second set after letting a 4-1 lead slip in the second set. The 24-time Grand Slam champion then managed to claim just his second win since the US Open. He welcomed the challenge from Michelsen that helped him to shake off any rust or lack of match sharpness. “I was very glad to keep calm when it mattered in both tiebreaks,” Djokovic said.
A Start For Bid His 100th Career Title
Djokovic is bidding to win his 100th career title at the Shanghai Masters. His most recent triumph was coming for the Paris Olympic Games which made him complete the Golden Slam. Djokovic has now won 35 of the 40 matches he’s contested at the Shanghai Masters.
He became the most successful player in Shanghai ever with four trophies. But, he hasn’t played there since 2019 due to the event not being held for three years after the pandemic. That year, he reached as far as the last eight before losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas.
His mission to win the title will be much more difficult with the possibility to meet all tricky players like Alexander Zverev and Alexei Popyrin who got their spot in the third round already. Popyrin – who stunned him at the US Open – could possibly meet Djokovic again in the quarterfinals.
Djokovic’s Latest Victory Boosts His Position
Djokovic previously stated that he only focused on the two types of events, the Davis Cup and the Grand Slams. Shanghai Masters and similar events are not something he’s most concerned about at the moment. But, a winning start at the Shanghai Masters can boost Djokovic’s chances of defending the ATP finals crown.
Defeating Michelsen marked Djokovic’s 33rd win of the season. This has improved his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals in November. The seven-time winner of the season-ending championships has overtaken Alex de Minaur to move into eighth place in the “Race to Turin” standings, the final qualifying spot for the tournament.
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