Djokovic will face Fritz in the semi-finals in Shanghai and Sabalenka will face Gauff in Wuhan

SHANGHAI (AP) — Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz reached the semifinals of the Shanghai Masters on Friday.

Four-time champion Djokovic fought back from a set down to beat Czech player Jakub Mensik 6-7 (4), 6-1, 6-4 in the quarterfinals.

Mensik, ranked 65th, had 17 aces but also committed six double faults and 32 unforced errors. It was their first career meeting.

“We played neck-and-neck until the last moment,” said Djokovic.

“I stayed composed and started very well in the second (set). I felt like we were both having a physical crisis at the beginning of the set. We pushed each other a lot, lots of long rallies. A tough fight, almost two and a half hours.”

While Djokovic reached his 77th Masters semi-final, Fritz will play his fifth Masters semi-final after a clear 6:3, 6:4 victory over David Goffin from Belgium.

The American was in control throughout and converted three of his seven break points.

“I feel like sometimes it takes a few games to find my routines, figure out what feels good and what works for me,” Fritz said. “Once I got through the first two rounds, I felt very locked in.

Djokovic has won all nine games he played against Fritz.

First class in the other semi-final on Saturday Jannik Sinner will face Tomas Machac, who defeated second seed Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.

Wuhan open

Second seed Aryna Sabalenka delivered a masterful performance, defeating Magdalena Frech of Poland 6-2, 6-2 and maintaining her unbeaten record at the Wuhan Open.

The Belarusian scored 42 winning goals in 16 games and reached her eighth semi-final of the year. There she meets fourth-placed Coco Gauff.

Sabalenka, the US Open championis 15-0 in Wuhan, having won the title in her first appearance in 2018 and defending her crown in 2019 before the tournament took a five-year hiatus.

Earlier on Friday, Gauff's impressive Asian momentum showed no signs of stopping as she defeated Poland's Magda Linette 6-0, 6-4 to secure her 50th win of the season.

It was also the American's ninth consecutive victory in China, a streak that includes this China Open He took the title last week and never seemed to doubt it as Gauff defeated 45th-ranked Linette four times and scored 19 winners while Linette scored 13 wins.

“I’m really happy with the way I’m playing,” said Gauff. “Obviously a smooth first set. I’m glad I was able to finish it with my serve.”

It was a disappointing end to an otherwise impressive week for 32-year-old Linette, who reached her biggest quarter-final.

China's 51st-ranked Wang Xinyu, who defeated third-seeded Jessica Pegula in the third round, edged Ekaterina Alexandrova 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (6).

Wang will next play his compatriot and Gold medalist at the Paris Olympics Zheng Qinwen, who defeated sixth seed Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

___

AP Tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis