Djokovic battles into Shanghai semis

AFP | Shanghai

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Novak Djokovic looked far from his best yesterday but dispatched Belgium’s Zizou Bergs 6-3, 7-5 to set up a Shanghai Masters semi-final against tournament surprise package Valentin Vacherot.

The 38-year-old Serbian, the highest-ranking player left standing, is getting ever closer to a fifth title in the Chinese financial hub despite struggling physically throughout the week.

Next in the crosshairs of the 24-time Grand Slam champion is world number 204 Vacherot, a qualifier from Monaco who battled back from a set down to stun Holger Rune 2-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4. “Maybe at times (I was) a little too passive but Zizou is a great player, a very talented player, he has some great shots,” Djokovic said.