Djokovic beats Mensik, will face Fritz in semifinals 

SHANGHAI: Novak Djokovic proved that he still has more to give the game of tennis, as the 38-year old legend beat Jakub Mensik in a hard fought three set battle on Friday, confirming his place in the Shanghai Masters semifinals. 

FIRST SET

It was a back and forth affair with neither side giving up an inch, until the 38 year old legend got a break in the ninth game.

Djokovic got to his first break point after his forehand clipped the top of the net, landing much too far away for the unsuspecting Czech player to reach, leading the former world number one to raise his hands in apology. Mesnik would botch the next point with a forehand that landed out of bounds. 

Djokovic needed one more game to close the set, and it was his service, but Mesnik was able to fight him off. The Czech player took a 40 to 30 lead before sending a vicious forehand Djokovic’s way. The Serb was able to connect with a backhand, however the shot didn’t have enough elevation to clear the net. 

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Both players would win their next service games to force a tie-break that Mensik eventually won seven points to four, after Djokovic once again shot the ball into the net. 

SECOND SET

Djokovic would get the first break again, and it would be on Mensik’s first service game. A perfectly placed dropshot forced the Czech player to rush towards the net. While he did manage to connect, the ball was already too low to reach the other side of the court. 

After winning his own game, Djocovic would increase his lead, three games to zero. The Serbian player almost got another break, forcing a deuce, but Mensik was able to fight him off to win the game. 

The 24 time grand slam champion would make the score five games to one, getting another break by piling the pressure on Mensik until he launched the ball far beyond the baseline with a wild forehand. 

Djokovic would close out the set after Mensik failed to return the serb’s serve, connecting with a backhand, but with no control, sending the ball out of bounds. 

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THIRD SET

It was in the fourth game that Djokovic got the break this time, after Mensik once again put too much behind a backhand, failing to keep the ball in bounds. 

Mensik would nearly lose the match in the eight game, as Djokovic took an early lead, but he would manage to escape from the jaws of defeat. The Czech player closed out the game with a powerful serve that while Djokovic managed to return, was placed perfectly for Mensik who had made his way to the net, for an easy volley to win the point.

Unfortunately, he escaped defeat only momentarily. Djokovic would win the tenth and final game of the match in four straight points. The 38-year old tennis legend ended the contest with a statement, winning the match with a stunning ace.

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Djokovic will face Taylor Fritz in the semifinals of the Shanghai Masters on Saturday.