Connect with us

News

Novak Djokovic Fights Through Pain to Reach Shanghai Masters Quarterfinals

Phinadon Mag

Published

on

Novak Djokovic overcame exhaustion and an ankle injury to defeat Jaume Munar and reach the Shanghai Masters quarterfinals, becoming the oldest player to achieve the feat.

Novak Djokovic overcame exhaustion and an ankle injury scare to advance to the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters on Tuesday, defeating Spain’s Jaume Munar 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 in a gruelling three-set encounter.

The hard-fought victory keeps the 38-year-old Serbian on track to claim a record-extending fifth title in Shanghai, with several top seeds already eliminated or withdrawn from the tournament.

Djokovic appeared close to collapse when the match entered a deciding set but found the strength to break his 27-year-old opponent twice in the third set, sealing the win to the delight of the Chinese crowd.

Battling Through Pain and Humidity

The 24-time Grand Slam champion started strongly, breaking Munar in the fourth game despite the 84 percent humidity that made conditions difficult.

However, his momentum was disrupted when his left ankle slipped as he rushed toward the net, forcing him to take a medical timeout. He grimaced in pain as an on-court physio attended to him but managed to continue and hold serve.

Djokovic required further treatment in the second set and appeared visibly fatigued, often crouching between rallies and even vomiting on court.

Despite the support of Serbian-flag-waving fans, Munar capitalised on Djokovic’s struggles, breaking in the 12th game of the second set after an unforced error.

The world number one fell to the floor, gasping for air as medics rushed to his side. Yet, in trademark fashion, he rallied back with a remarkable third-set comeback, breaking in the first and seventh games to secure victory.

Oldest Player to Reach Masters 1000 Quarterfinal

With the win, Djokovic became the oldest player ever to reach an ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal, further cementing his legacy as one of tennis’s most enduring competitors.

He is also now the highest-ranked player remaining in the Shanghai draw after the withdrawal of Carlos Alcaraz and the exits of Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Taylor Fritz.

The tournament has been plagued by injuries and extreme conditions, with temperatures exceeding 30°C and high humidity levels taking a toll on players.

Sinner was forced to retire on Sunday due to severe cramps, while Holger Rune, who also struggled with the heat, called for tennis authorities to introduce a heat policy for tournaments like Shanghai.

Rune advanced to the last eight after defeating France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-4, 6-7 (7/9), 6-3.

Next Challenge: Zizou Bergs

Djokovic will next face Zizou Bergs of Belgium, ranked 44th in the world. Bergs earned his quarterfinal spot after a dramatic win over Canada’s Gabriel Diallo, prevailing 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (10/8) in a tense third-set tiebreak.

As the oldest player left in the competition and the clear favourite, Djokovic will aim to continue his pursuit of another Masters title while managing his fitness and recovery amid the demanding Shanghai conditions.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

Published

on

Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

Published

on

Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

Continue Reading

News

Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

Published

on

The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

Continue Reading

Trending

∧