Novak Djokovic beats Jakub Mensik at Shanghai Masters, sets up semi-final against Taylor Fritz | Tennis News

Novak Djokovic defeated Jakub Mensik from a set down to secure a place in the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters.

Fourth-seeded Djokovic defeated his Czech opponent 6:7, 6:1, 6:4 in two hours and 21 minutes, overcoming a deficit and a late threat of injury to his left knee.

Djokovic will face Taylor Fritz in the semi-finals on Saturday, live on Sky Sportsafter the American defeated David Goffin.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner appeared to be on his way to the opener when he secured the first break of the match to take a 5-4 lead, but Mensik hit right back to force a tiebreak.

Djokovic took a 3-0 lead at the break, but Mensik showed impressive determination to fight back and win the game 7-4.

The Serb raised his level and dominated the second set before securing a crucial break of serve in the decider to take a 3-2 lead.

There were brief concerns when Djokovic repeatedly stuck out his left knee in the closing stages, but he delivered a near-perfect service game to finish the match 1-0.

“We fought neck and neck until the last moment, the last game,” Djokovic said. “I was lucky enough to find some really great serves in the last game, a few aces, so that helps.”

“At the end of the first set, when I was serving for the set at 5-4, I wasn't serving so well, he managed to turn things around. He played a good tiebreak, I played a pretty bad tiebreak.” .

“I somehow stayed composed and started the second round very well. I felt like we both had a bit of a physical crisis at the start of the second round. I think we pushed each other hard, lots of long rallies, a tough fight.”

Fritz reached his fifth Masters semi-final with a clear 6:3, 6:4 victory over the Belgian Goffin.

The 26-year-old was in control during the 82-minute encounter 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 get through the first two laps, I feel very locked in.

In the other semifinal on Saturday, top seed Jannik Sinner will face Tomas Machac, who defeated Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.

“Part of me left with Nadal, Federer and Murray”

Djokovic played his first match since rival Rafael Nadal announced on Thursday he would retire from tennis in November.

Djokovic has a 31-29 record against Nadal, who won 22 Grand Slam titles, including 14 at the French Open.

The 38-year-old will make his final competitive appearance when Spain hosts the Davis Cup final in Malaga next month.

Djokovic paid tribute to Nadal with a social media post on Thursday, but continued to comment on court after his match on Friday, also referencing the retirements of Roger Federer and Andy Murray.

“I meant every word. He was my biggest rival,” said Djokovic.

“The rivalry I had with him has by far shaped me the most in my career. We knew this moment would come sooner than later, but when it officially came it was still a shock.”

“Also for Roger a few years ago and this year also for Andy. To be honest, it’s a bit overwhelming for me.”

“I don't know what to think about it. I still enjoy competing, but a part of me has stayed with them, a big part of me.”

“This is tough news for the tennis and sports world. Rafa was an inspiration, he is an inspiration to millions of children around the world. He can be very proud of his career.”

What's coming up on Sky Sports Tennis in October?

• Shanghai Masters – ATP 1000 (October 2-13)
• Wuhan Open – WTA 1000 (October 7-13)
• Almaty Open, Kazakhstan – ATP 250 (October 14-20)
• Stockholm Open, Sweden – ATP 250 (October 14-20)
• European Open, Antwerp – ATP 250 (October 14-20)
• Japan Open, Osaka – WTA 250 (October 14-20)
• Ningbo Open, China – WTA 500 (October 14-20)
• Erste Bank Open, Vienna – ATP 500 (October 21-27)
• Swiss Indoors, Basel – ATP 500 (October 21-27)
• Guangzhou Open, China – WTA 250 (October 21-27)
• Toray Pan Pacific Open Tennis, Tokyo – WTA 500 (October 21-27)

Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated into Sky TV, the NOW streaming service and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 percent more live sport at no additional cost this year. Find out more here.

Fabio Wardley's big rematch with Frazer Clarke is on the epic Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol program on Saturday October 12th live on Sky Sports Box Office. Book Wardley vs Clarke 2 and Beterbiev vs Bivol now!