SHANGHAI.- After coming back from a set down and beating 19-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik (65th) with authority this Friday, the legend Novak Djokovic (4th) met in the semifinals of the Shanghai Masters 1000 with the American Taylor Fritz (7th), who beat the Belgian David Goffin (66th).
Djokovic raised his arms after winning 6-7 (4-7), 6-1 and 6-4, while Fritz did so by signing a comfortable 6-3 and 6-4.
The American will try on Saturday to make the tenth time the charm against Djokovic, who has nine wins in nine games against Fritz. The last meeting between the two was in January in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.
“We have played many times and I have never been able to beat him. I am waiting for my moment to come, maybe I can achieve a first victory,” said Fritz.
Mensik, a big surprise of the tournament after having beaten Grigor Dimitrov (10th) and Andrey Rublev (6th), was able to beat the Serbian legend in the tie-break of the first set, with the necessary serenity to achieve seven of the last eight points .
But ‘Djoko’ responded shortly after to take the next two with authority.
In the third Djokovic managed his advantage despite having discomfort in his right knee that forced him to call the doctor.
“Overall it was a great battle, he brought out the best in me to win. He is only 19 years old and is playing at a high level, handling high pressure situations very well for someone who does not have much experience. He has a very bright future. “, said the Serbian with 24 Grand Slam titles in the showcase about his rival.
He took out his star badge
Before, Fritz fulfilled the predictions against Goffin. The 26-year-old American, finalist of the last US Open, stopped short the Belgian veteran – 33 years old – who had completed an excellent tournament beating Lorenzo Musetti (18th) and world number three Alexander Zverev
“I’m doing better and better, I’m very excited to be able to play against Djokovic. We are in the final rounds of the tournament and anyone can beat anyone. I will need all my speed, precision and strength,” said the Californian tennis player.
World number 1 Jannik Sinner sealed his place in the semifinals on Thursday by beating Russian Daniil Medvedev (5th) with great authority (6-1 and 6-4). He will play against the Czech Tomas Machac (33rd), who surprised the winner of Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Carlos Alcaraz (2nd).
