Djokovic reveals fitness secrets at Shanghai Masters

(Dan Tri) - Novak Djokovic frankly shared about his physical condition after winning against Zizou Bergs, thereby gaining the right to enter the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters 2025.

Expected schedule of quarterfinals and semi-finals of Shanghai Masters 2025

October 10th

Alex De Minaur - Daniil Medvedev (14h)

Arthur Rinderknech - Felix Auger-Aliassime (5:30 p.m.)

October 11

Novak Djokovic - Valentin Vacherot (13:00)

The 38-year-old Serbian player defeated Bergs ( world No. 44) with a score of 6-3, 7-5 in the quarter-finals of the Masters 1000 on the evening of October 9. He continued his journey to conquer his fifth title in Shanghai and the 41st Masters 1000 title of his career.

If successful, Djokovic will become the oldest Masters 1000 champion in history, surpassing the current record of Roger Federer - who won the 2019 Miami Open at the age of 37 years and 235 days.

Djokovic has reached the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters 2025 (Photo: Getty).

Djokovic’s journey in Shanghai was not easy. High temperatures and humidity created tough playing conditions. The Serb struggled with health issues in both his third-round win over Yannick Hanfmann and his fourth-round win over Jaume Munar. In particular, the match against Munar saw Djokovic seek medical attention for a left leg injury.

After his win over Bergs, Djokovic dismissed the claim that the match was “easy” and admitted that his body “always has something going on”.

“It may look easy to you, but I assure you it was not easy. There is no easy victory at this level,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion said at a press conference. “Zizou Bergs played a fantastic match in this tournament. I think it would be disrespectful to say it was easy for him. It was a hard-fought victory in two sets.”

Djokovic has been struggling physically in recent matches (Photo: Getty).

On his health, Djokovic said: “My leg is fine. Almost every match I play, my body has problems. There are some other issues that I am trying to solve day by day, and hopefully things will get better as the tournament continues. I have a day off before the semi-final, so that is great. Of course, I will come back with the attitude and determination to win.”

Djokovic also stressed the role of support from Chinese audiences in helping him overcome physical difficulties.

“It’s no secret that I love playing in China. The support from the crowd definitely makes me feel comfortable and gives me motivation. When I feel down on the field, they will support me.

“That’s basically what happens to me in every match, even the last few. I’ve been struggling a lot with the energy level. And every chance I get, the crowd feels it and supports me. And then, you know, I can hear that cheer and actually, that energy drives me. I’m enjoying it. No matter how much pain I’m in, I love playing in front of them,” the former world number one said.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/djokovic-tiet-lo-bi-mat-the-luc-tai-thuong-hai-masters-20251010081338828.htm