Novak Djokovic edges Taylor Fritz, sets Jannik Sinner Shanghai Masters

World no. 4 Novak Djokovic will compete in his fifth Shanghai Masters final, reaching the title clash at one of his favorite events for the first time since 2018. Novak faced Taylor Fritz in the semi-final and scored a tight 6-4, 7-6 victory in an hour and 59 minutes, surviving an injury scare in the second set and arranging the title clash versus world no.

1 Jannik Sinner. Djokovic defeated Fritz for the tenth time in as many duels, maintaining his incredible streak against the American players and moving a win away from his 100th ATP title. The Serb served at 70% and defended both break points, keeping the pressure on the other side.

Taylor gave everything to follow that pace, defending eight of nine break points and pushing the 24-time Major champion to the limits. However, world no. 7 missed his chances in the eighth game of the second set and squandered a set point in the tie break, missing an opportunity to extend the battle.

Novak tamed his strokes nicely and landed 26 winners and 25 unforced errors.

Fritz added 21 winners and 31 mistakes to his tally, hitting more service winners but losing the edge from the baseline.

Djokovic built the advantage in the shortest and most advanced exchanges, overpowering his rival and remaining on the course toward the 41st Masters 1000 crown. The veteran played a couple of incredible shots on the return at 2-2 in the second set.

He missed break points and injured his left leg, feeling the pain and receiving a medical timeout. The Serb endured the efforts and sealed the deal in straight sets, hoping to recover for Sunday’s final versus Jannik Sinner.

The four-time champion made a reliable start, serving well in the opening set and delivering a single break from six opportunities that sent him in front. Djokovic endured an extended rally in the first game of the encounter and welcomed the rival’s mistake for three break chances.

The American erased them with winners…