Novak Djokovic overcame more physical issues to defeat Zizou Bergs and reach the Shanghai Masters semi-finals, extending his own record by becoming the oldest ATP 1000 semi-finalist in history at the age of 38.
Djokovic, who has vomited and collapsed on court this week because of the “brutal” heat and humidity in Shanghai, battled a left ankle injury and doubled over in exhaustion in between lengthy points - particularly at key stages in the opening set.
But he prevailed to defeat the Belgian Bergs 6-3 7-5 and set up an unexpected clash with the Monegasque qualifier Valentin Vacherot, who earlier stunned Holger Rune to become the lowest-ranked Masters semi-finalist in 26 years.
The World No 204 Vacherot will play in his first Masters semi-final while Djokovic advances to the 80th of his career, with the Serbian now just two wins away from his 101st title overall. “It’s very challenging conditions for all players,” Djokovic said. “Just trying to stay alive and glad to overcome this hurdle.”
Djokovic is bidding to win his fifth Shanghai title and is the highest-ranked player remaining in the draw after Carlos Alcaraz withdrew before the start of the tournament and Jannik Sinner succumbed to the conditions as he retired from his third-round match on Sunday.
Follow live score updates from Djokovic v Bergs, below:
Djokovic v Bergs LIVE: Shanghai Masters latest score updates
- Game, set and match! Djokovic wins 6-3 7-5 to reach Shanghai semi-finals
- Djokovic wins point of the tournament on way to defying Zizou Bergs
- Djokovic to play World No 204 Valentin Vacherot, who stunned Holger Rune
Novak Djokovic underlines ‘brutal’ challenge of Shanghai Masters: ‘Trying to stay alive’
14:47 , Jamie BraidwoodNovak Djokovic admitted he is “trying to stay alive” at the Shanghai Masters as the 38-year-old overcame the “brutal” conditions and more physical issues to reach the semi-finals.
Djokovic advanced to a record-extending 80th semi-final at ATP 1000 level as he defeated the Belgian Zizou Bergs 6-3 7-5, but was left gasping for air after the longer rallies as well as holding his left ankle in between points.
The 24-time grand slam champion had collapsed during his previous win over Jaume Munar due to the extreme heat and humidity and admitted he is giving “everything” as he seeks to win a fifth Shanghai title, with the opportunity opening up after Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the tournament and Jannik Sinner retired in the third round.
Novak Djokovic underlines ‘brutal’ challenge of Shanghai: ‘Trying to stay alive’
Novak Djokovic looks ahead to playing Valentin Vacherot on Saturday
13:52 , Jamie Braidwood“It’s great for Monegasque tennis! We have one of our biggest tournaments in Monaco and I’m very glad for him and his coach Benjamin Balleret, his coach I’ve known for many years, trained with him while being based in Monaco over the last 15 years.
“Amazing story for him. This tournament has taken out many top players - I don’t know how many - but it’s very impressive what he’s doing.”
Novak Djokovic gives his thoughts after reaching Shanghai semi-finals
13:48 , Jamie BraidwoodNovak Djokovic did not give an interview after his gruelling win over Jaume Munar on Tuesday, but is asked what he is having to give “physically and mentally” to reach an 80th Masters semi-final in Shanghai.
“Pretty much everything. Just trying stay alive on the court. First encounter with Bergs, great guy, a lot of firepower. I was trying to get an extra ball into play and make him miss, that’s what happened.
“It’s very challenging conditions for all players. Just trying to stay alive and glad to overcome this hurdle.”
Up next for Novak Djokovic: World No 204 Valentin Vacherot
13:45 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic will play World No 204 Valentin Vacherot in the semi-finals.
Vacherot could yet be joined in the semi-finals by his cousin, the French player Arthur Rinderkneck, who will look to back up his win over Alexander Zverev when he takes on Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday.
Novak Djokovic wins extraordinary point on way to battling win
13:42 , Jamie BraidwoodAnd how about this from Novak Djokovic. An astonishing point as he broke Bergs for the second time in the second set, on his way to closing out the match.
"I don't think I've ever seen a point like it" 🤯
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) October 9, 2025
There was no getting past the defence of Novak Djokovic ❌ pic.twitter.com/jkR3qFgoFa
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Novak Djokovic 6-3 7-5 Zizou Bergs
13:40 , Jamie Braidwood“MAN, I’VE GOTTA STOP IDOLISING YOU” says Bergs to Djokovic as he walked towards him at the net.
Hilarious, but also telling. Bergs was bidding to reach his first ATP Masters semi-final. Djokovic is through to his 80th at this level.
But that was a fun match, particularly at the end of the second set.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Novak Djokovic 6-3 7-5 Zizou Bergs
13:39 , Jamie BraidwoodLong from Bergs on the backhand! Djokovic will get a look at a third match point. Djokovic clips the baseline on the backhand, and Bergs launches into the flying forehand...
BUT IT FLIES LONG! DJOKOVIC IS THROUGH!
*Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-5 Zizou Bergs
13:37 , Jamie BraidwoodIncredible from Bergs! He turns defence into attack as he pulls Djokovic in and finds the forehand pass, whipping it cross-court.
Suddenly the Belgian has a break-back point. Djokovic finds a big first serve out wide and Bergs can’t keep the return in play!
Deuce.
*Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-5 Zizou Bergs
13:35 , Jamie BraidwoodBergs puts a simple backhand down the line into the net. There’s been some good flashes from Bergs, but also too many mistakes.
It gives Djokovic two match points. Oof. Djokovic nets on the first, again looking off-balance and gasping heavily.
A second match point: Bergs digs in and saves that too! Brilliant return from the Belgian, who also saved two match points in his win over Gabriel Diallo in the fourth round!
BREAK! *Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-5 Zizou Bergs
13:29 , Jamie BraidwoodUNREAL! On 30-30, Bergs has five - FIVE - chances on the overhead to put Djokovic away. Djokovic keeps on making them, while hanging up another high ball. Finally, Bergs misses on the forehand crosscourt.
It brings up break point, and Djokovic takes it as Bergs hits out. An unravelling from the Belgian but wow, the resistance and resilience from Djokovic. Point of the tournament.
BREAK! Novak Djokovic 6-3 5-5 Zizou Bergs*
13:24 , Jamie BraidwoodWOW! Bergs flashes the winner into open court, with Djokovic putting a soft serve into play. Suddenly Bergs is back in business and Djokovic yells at his box while covering his mouth. He looks absolutely furious.
*Novak Djokovic 6-3 5-4 Zizou Bergs
13:23 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s MASSIVE from Bergs! Djokovic looked to outlast him on the baseline rally but Bergs explodes into action on the backhand and then drags Djokovic in with the drop shot. He wins a sensational scrambling point to bring up two break points.
*Novak Djokovic 6-3 5-4 Zizou Bergs
13:21 , Jamie BraidwoodOh, hello! Bergs goes bid and finds a stunning return, to get to 0-30.
BREAK! *Novak Djokovic 6-3 5-4 Zizou Bergs
13:18 , Jamie BraidwoodBergs rushes in and launches himself into a flying smash - but Djokovic reads where it’s going and steers the backhand winner down the line.
Bergs goes long on the next point - and now faces 0-30. He goes for a big second serve and suddenly faces two break points.
Djokovic takes it and clenches his fist! Bergs came into the net but Djokovic produced the dipping backhand, with Bergs unable to return.
What a pivotal game. How Bergs would like to have that smash back.
Novak Djokovic 6-3 4-4 Zizou Bergs*
13:14 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic paints a backhand winner crosscourt on his way to another love-hold. Six of the eight games of this second set have been love-holds, I think.
But we’re now into the business end of the second set.
*Novak Djokovic 6-3 4-3 Zizou Bergs
13:10 , Jamie BraidwoodBergs holds to love for the third game in a row, slamming an ace out wide. Djokovic is yet to ask any questions on the return and is perhaps attempting to save himself.
Djokovic has found himself a pair of ‘ice-mits’.
Novak Djokovic 6-3 3-3 Zizou Bergs*
13:07 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic stretches into a spectacular backhand winner down the line and seals the hold with a love-hold. We rumble on, still on serve, but that was special from Djokovic.
*Novak Djokovic 6-3 2-3 Zizou Bergs
13:04 , Jamie BraidwoodBergs gets his second love-hold in a row, with another flying smash.
Novak Djokovic 6-3 2-2 Zizou Bergs*
13:01 , Jamie BraidwoodBergs fires this second set into life as he attacks Djokovic on the forehand and flies into the overhead smash to get to deuce on the Serbian’s serve.
But the Belgian makes another basic error as he nets on the backhand down the line. Djokovic fires a serve out wide and Bergs can’t keep the return in play.
*Novak Djokovic 6-3 1-2 Zizou Bergs
12:55 , Jamie BraidwoodBergs holds with a serve-and-volley and has made a solid start to the second set. Djokovic has been taken to a third set in each of his last two matches so Bergs has to hope that he can extend the match a bit further.
Novak Djokovic 6-3 1-1 Zizou Bergs*
12:50 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic holds to love after a series of wild swings from Bergs.
*Novak Djokovic 6-3 0-1 Zizou Bergs
12:48 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic looks frustrated with his coaching box as Bergs takes the opening game of the second set, profiting from some errors from Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic 6-3 Zizou Bergs*
12:41 , Jamie BraidwoodBergs has left the court for a break, while Djokovic is changing his socks and shoes. It’s horrendously humid.
FIRST SET! Novak Djokovic 6-3 Zizou Bergs*
12:38 , Jamie BraidwoodMore set points for Djokovic, this time on his own serve, as he wins another gruelling rally, grunting after every ball, to blast his way through.
Bit Djokovic finds one last big serve out wide, that Bergs can’t return, to get through on the sixth set point.
That was dramatic. Djokovic looked to be wobbling in that epic seventh game but he comes through it to move a set away from the semi-final.
*Novak Djokovic 5-3 Zizou Bergs
12:35 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic pushes hard for the second break, and to take the set right here as he moves 0-40 up thanks to two double faults in row.
Three set points come and go, as Bergs takes his turn to defy Djokovic.
Djokovic had a look at a backhand pass down the line on the fourth set point, but pushes wide.
Bergs saves a fifth set point for good measure. Djokovic rattles a ball against the backboard in frustration as that chance slips by.
Novak Djokovic 5-2 Zizou Bergs*
12:25 , Jamie BraidwoodAn epic hold! Djokovic comes through a nine-minute game and saves three break points, as Bergs nets on his forehand.
Djokovic limps back to his seat.
"Novak is superhuman!"
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) October 9, 2025
Incredible play from Djokovic 👏 pic.twitter.com/E35N565uP1
Novak Djokovic 4-2 Zizou Bergs*
12:24 , Jamie BraidwoodRidiculous! Djokovic saves a third break point after a stunning rally denies Bergs! That was unbelievable from Djokovic, who scrambled to his backhand side to hang up a lob as Bergs looked to be on the front foot. The Belgian puts his forehand into the net.
Djokovic doubles over once again, this time holding onto his left ankle. He takes his time between the points, and receives a warning from the umpire as the shot-clock runs out.
Bergs keeps it to deuce after winning another lung-bursting rally. Back to deuce and Djokovic is gasping for air.
Novak Djokovic 4-2 Zizou Bergs*
12:20 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic is struggling again! He doubles over as Bergs disguises a lovely forehand winner down the line, then as Djokovic fires out.
Two break points for Bergs: Djokovic is grunting on every point but saves the first... and he saves the second as well as Bergs goes wide on the backhand exchange.
BREAK! *Novak Djokovic 4-2 Zizou Bergs
12:15 , Jamie BraidwoodBergs makes a confident start on serve, firing back-to-back forehand winners.
Djokovic, though, cracks an opening on the return, putting pressure on Bergs with the backhand crosscourt.
Bergs nets and presents Djokovic with a look at break point but he can’t keep his return in play.
Bergs, though, can’t find his first serve and Djokovic again dials up the pressure on the backhand return.
Second break point: Djokovic hangs up a lob and Bergs puts the smash out!
That’s a huge break for Djokovic, and a nightmare for Bergs from 30-0 up in the game.
Novak Djokovic 3-2 Zizou Bergs*
12:08 , Jamie BraidwoodA rapid hold of serve from Djokovic, which is a relief and means he gets to sit down with his ice towel as quickly as possible.
*Novak Djokovic 2-2 Zizou Bergs
12:06 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic comes out on top after a 25-shot rally that leaves him doubled over at the back of the court, fiddling with his shoe laces.
Bergs, though, has started well on serve and takes the hold with a one-two punch, leaving Djokovic stranded behind the wide serve.
Novak Djokovic 2-1 Zizou Bergs*
12:00 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic lands a lovely wide-serve followed by a forehand winner down the line on the opposite side.
He is receiving an ice towel on his sit-down, using it to cool down his neck and face.
We saw Holger Rune struggling with cramp earlier in his shock defeat to Valentin Vacherot.
*Novak Djokovic 1-1 Zizou Bergs
11:56 , Jamie BraidwoodBergs is known for his extravagant style and goes for a behind-the-legs tweener after Djokovic puts him on the run.
Bergs, though, gets a solid opening hold after pushing Djokovic wide on his backhand. The 26-year-old shakes his fist.
Novak Djokovic 1-0 Zizou Bergs*
11:52 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic catches his breath and doubles over as he faces 15-30, but finds two big serves - one out wide and one down the middle - to get his opening hold. Bergs had the upper hand when the rally got going but Djokovic comes through it.
*next server
Novak Djokovic returns to court in Shanghai
11:46 , Jamie BraidwoodNovak Djokovic waves to the crowd as he steps back onto court in Shanghai, a couple of days after his collapse against Jaume Munar. How’s he doing fitness wise? That’s the big question as he targets career title 101, in what is now a huge opportunity to make more history.
Novak Djokovic vs Zizou Bergs
11:36 , Jamie BraidwoodSo with the World No 204 through to the semi-finals, will it be Novak Djokovic or Zizou Bergs who joins him?
Djokovic is bidding for his 80th Masters semi-final, Bergs is hoping to reach his first. There’s been a bit of a delay after the end to the Vacherot and Rune match, but the players should be taking to the court in Shanghai very shortly.
World No 204 stuns Holger Rune to make Shanghai Masters history
11:30 , Jamie BraidwoodWorld No 204 Valentin Vacherot stunned Holger Rune to reach the Shanghai Masters semi-finals, becoming the lowest-ranked player to advance to the semi-finals of an ATP 1000 event in 26 years.
Qualifier Vacherot, 26, defeated the World No 11 Rune 2-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4, converting his third match point to become the first player representing Monaco to reach an ATP Tour semi-final.
He collapsed onto the court after prevailing in more than two-and-a-half hours, and could play Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals if the 38-year-old defeats Zizou Bergs.
World No 204 stuns Holger Rune to make Shanghai Masters history
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Huge shock in quarter-finals
11:14 , Jamie BraidwoodA huge shock in the day’s first quarter-final as World No 204 Valentin Vacherot knocks out Holger Rune to reach the quarter-finals.
It’s a stunning upset, with Vacherot becoming the lowest-ranked player to reach an ATP Masters 1000 semi-final since 1999.
The qualifier, from Monaco collapses onto the court after converting his third match point. He has just beaten the World No 11 and could play Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.
“Top 100!” he writes on the camera, with this result ensuring he cracks the top 100 in the world for the first time.
The state of the Shanghai Masters reflects a growing tennis problem
10:56 , Jamie BraidwoodSomewhere in Spain, Carlos Alcaraz can put his feet up and reflect on what appears to be a rather wise decision.
While the World No 1 rests after winning the Japan Open title, he can do so safely away from the “brutal” conditions at the Shanghai Masters, where extreme heat and humidity has blown the draw wide open.
Jannik Sinner is out after retiring from his third-round match against Tallon Griekspoor due to painful cramp. Novak Djokovic battled through, but only after throwing up and collapsing on court.
The state of the Shanghai Masters reflects a growing tennis problem
Daniil Medvedev rallies to set up Alex de Minaur quarter-final
10:36 , Jamie BraidwoodDaniil Medvedev snapped his losing streak after Learner Tien to set up a quarter-final clash with Alex de Minaur in Shanghai.
Medvedev had lost his last two matches against Tien, including in Beijing last week where he was hit by cramps in the third set.
But the former US Open finalist and World No 1 recovered to win 7-6(6), 6-7(1).
Still without a title in over two years, Medvedev will play De Minaur tomorrow, with the Australian advancing past Nuno Borges 7-5, 6-2.
Who is Zizou Bergs?
10:16 , Jamie BraidwoodAt the age of 26, Zizou Bergs is playing in the biggest quarter-final of his career, in what is his first ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final.
The Belgian cracked the world’s top 100 last June and is at a career-high ranking of 44, but that would jump to 32 if he were to beat Djokovic.
He has a 1-8 record against top-10 opponents with his only win coming against Andrey Rublev at the Miami Open in March.
This is his first meeting with Djokovic. He saved two match points to beat Gabriel Diallo in the fourth round.
Novak Djokovic battles back to reach Shanghai Masters quarter-finals
09:56 , Jamie BraidwoodNovak Djokovic collapsed onto his back after losing the second set to Jaume Munar.
Losing the set appeared like it could be a decisive blow but, as he has so many times during his career, Djokovic climbed off the canvas and played his best tennis of the match to set up a last-eight clash with Belgian Zizou Bergs.
Novak Djokovic giving it all, and then a little bit more 😥 pic.twitter.com/47YxayVSpj
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) October 7, 2025
Novak Djokovic collapses in Shanghai heat but battles back to reach last eight
09:36 , Jamie BraidwoodNovak Djokovic collapsed on court at the Shanghai Masters before recovering to beat Jaume Munar.
Brutally hot and humid conditions have taken their toll on a number of players in China this week and, after appearing to vomit during a long previous match, Djokovic was in trouble again during a 6-3 5-7 6-2 win over Spaniard Munar.
After losing a long second set on a gruelling point, Djokovic lay sprawled out behind the baseline before eventually being helped back to his chair by a trainer.
Novak Djokovic collapses in Shanghai heat but battles back to reach last eight
Novak Djokovic bids for more history in Shanghai
09:16 , Jamie BraidwoodAt 38 years and four months, Djokovic is now the oldest quarter-finalist in ATP Masters 1000 history after breaking Roger Federer’s record, set in Shanghai in 2019.
He now has the chance to break his own record by becoming the oldest ATP Masters 1000 semi-finalist, after reaching the Miami semi-finals earlier this season.
He is bidding to win a 41st ATP Masters 1000 title, and a fifth in Shanghai. He already owns both records.
What is the weather forecast in Shanghai?
09:07 , Jamie BraidwoodThe conditions have been the big talking point in Shanghai this week, with players battling “brutal” heat and humidity.
Today’s forecast suggests the temperature in Shanghai will be around 29c by the time Djokovic takes to court, but with 57 per cent humidity it will feel a lot higher.
When Is Novak Djokovic v Zizou Bergs?
09:03 , Jamie BraidwoodDjokovic’s quarter-final against Zizou Bergs will start at 11:30am UK time (6:30pm local time).
This will be their first career meeting.
Welcome
09:00 , Jamie BraidwoodNovak Djokovic returns to action at the Shanghai Masters, a couple of days after collapsing on the court due to extreme heat and humidity, as the 38-year-old bids to reach the semi-finals against Belgium’s Zizou Bergs.
All players have struggled in the “brutal” conditions in Shanghai this week and after vomiting on court in his previous match, the 24-time grand slam champion fell onto his back after losing the second set against Spain’s Jaume Munar and had to be helped back to his seat by a trainer.
Djokovic, though, battled to a three-set win against Munar to become the oldest ATP 1000 quarter-finalist in history, and now takes on World No. 44 Bergs for a place in the final four.
