Novak Djokovic crashed out early at the Shanghai Masters after a perfect run at the China Open

Novak Djokovic’s impressive triumph at the China Open failed to translate into success at the Shanghai Masters as the Serbian great suffered a shock second-round exit on Friday 9 October. Hubert Hurkacz defeated the former world number one 6-4, 6-3 in just 87 minutes, bringing Djokovic’s campaign to an early end.

Djokovic arrived in Shanghai on horseback after winning a record seventh title at the China Open in Beijing earlier in the week. The 39-year-old beat Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals before progressing past Daniil Medvedev in a controversial semi-final that ended with the Russian’s disqualification. Djokovic then claimed the title after Alex de Minaur withdrew from the final with injury, trailing 7-6(3), 0-1.

The victory marked Djokovic’s 102nd career tour title, extended his unbeaten run in Beijing to 34 matches and became the first player in tennis history to win at least one singles title in 21 consecutive seasons. It was a remarkable achievement for the Serb, who described his week in Beijing as the best of his season so far.

However, the momentum he built in the Chinese capital proved difficult to sustain in Shanghai. Despite arriving with renewed confidence, Djokovic struggled to find his rhythm against a determined Hurkacz, who produced a composed and powerful performance.

HOW HURKACZ PAINTED DJOKOVIC

Hurkacz, the 2023 Shanghai Masters champion, produced an impressive display of aggression on serve and baselines to record his first victory over Djokovic in nine matches. The Pole had previously withdrawn from his China Open semi-final against de Minaur with an adductor injury but looked sharp against the Serb.

The decisive moment came early in the opening set when Hurkacz saved two break points in the third game. After escaping this pressure, he gradually took control, using his powerful serve and accurate groundstrokes to prevent Djokovic from dictating the moves.

Djokovic looked drained after a tough week in Beijing and struggled to match Hurkacz’s intensity. The Pole took the first set before holding on in the second to complete a convincing victory without allowing the four-time Shanghai champion to make a comeback.

Hurkacz will face either Italian Lorenzo Musetti or Chinese wild card Zhou Yi in the third round. With an eight-match winning streak in Shanghai, the Pole will be looking to build on his breakthrough victory.

For Djokovic, the defeat is disappointing after a memorable week in Beijing. While his triumph at the China Open showed his enduring class, Shanghai served as a reminder that carrying momentum from one tournament to the next is never guaranteed.

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