SHANGHAI – Novak Djokovic proved his staying power on Friday, beating an opponent 18 years his junior 6-7 (4/7), 6-1, 6-4 to claim the last spot in the Shanghai Masters semifinals.
The 37-year-old’s victory over the Czech Republic’s Jakub Mensik came a day after one of his greatest rivals and contemporaries, Rafael Nadal, announced he would retire in November.
The Serb, who is aiming for a 100th singles title in Shanghai, will next face world No. 7 Taylor Fritz after the American beat Belgium’s David Goffin 6-3, 6-4 earlier on Friday.
“Overall, big battle, it took the best out of me to win it,” said Djokovic after the match.