(Video) ‘Take a bow’ Novak Djokovic plays an ‘outrageous’ point against Alex Michelsen in 2nd set tie-break as he cruises to Shanghai Masters Round of 32

Novak Djokovic dropped yet another masterclass in his second-round win over Alex Michelsen at the Shanghai Masters.

(Video) ‘Take a bow’ Novak Djokovic plays an ‘outrageous’ point against Alex Michelsen in 2nd set tie-break as he cruises to Shanghai Masters Round of 32

Novak Djokovic (Image via X)

Novak Djokovic’s return to the tour after a month away was marked with his usual outrageous displays on the court. The Serbian began his quest for his first title this season by beating Alex Michelsen in the second round of the Rolex Shanghai Masters.

The 37-year-old last played at the US Open, where he exited in the third round after losing to Alexei Popyrin. He helped Serbia earn a qualification spot for the 2025 Davis Cup. After being away for five years from the Shanghai Masters, Djokovic returned back to business in China. The Serbian was tested thoroughly by Michelsen as he struggled early in the first set.

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Djokovic’s experience earned him the decisive points to help narrowly win 7-6(2) in the first set. In the second, he began better than the first set, pushing the aggressive Michelsen to his baseline. However, he did allow the American to come from 4-1 down and level the match, forcing it into another tiebreak.

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In the tiebreak, Djokovic won an unexpected point that caught fans’ attention. The Serbian had returned Michelsen’s serve but was caught scrambling when the American hit close to the net. Nevertheless, the 37-year-old stayed up his feet to strike the ball, leaving his opponent in dismay. He went on to win the pulsating second-round match 7-6(3), 7-6(9).

It is worth noting that Djokovic still wore his protective sleeve over his right knee, on which he had a meniscus injury back in June. He now boasts a record 35 wins in Shanghai and is looking forward to his first title of the season.

Novak Djokovic excited being ‘challenged’ by the younger generation

Novak Djokovic improved his season’s record to 34-8 this season. The Serbian will face either Italy’s Flavio Cobolli or Stan Wawrinka in the third round. However, he admitted after his win, that he was excited to be competing against the young players.

Novak Djokovic (3)
Novak Djokovic (Image via X)

The 37-year-old has proven beyond doubt that he competes at the highest level despite his age. He has reached two finals this year and has won one of them. The victory came against 21-year-old Carlos Alcaraz in the Paris Olympics final. He revealed that he looks forward to competing with the younger generation

It was a very close encounter and I thought a high level of tennis in both sets. I’m just glad to keep calm when it mattered in the second-set tie-break. I’m glad to really be challenged by a young player and I’m looking forward to the next one.

Novak Djokovic said via ATP

Djokovic is also in his quest for a 100th title at the Shanghai Masters. His last title came at the ATP Finals last year after beating Jannik Sinner in straight sets.