Novak Djokovic’s Shanghai Masters Opponent Makes ‘Bizarre’ Idol Comment After Defeat

Novak Djokovic knocked out Zizou Bergs in straight sets to book a spot in the semifinals of the Shanghai Masters for the 11th time. Djokovic is chasing a record fifth title in the tournament, last winning in 2018, while last year, Jannik Sinner beat him in the final.

After clinching his opening-round match in straight sets against Marin Cilic, Djokovic struggled in the next two matches and also vomited multiple times due to the extreme hot and humid weather. Against Bergs, the Serb was on the verge of losing the second set, but somehow, he ended the match in his favor in straight sets. Before the customary handshake, Bergs could be heard saying this to Djokovic: “I have got to stop idolizing you“.

It was the Belgian’s first meeting against the 24-time Grand Slam champion. Former player from Britain, Colin Fleming, who was commentating for Sky Sports, called Berg’s remarks a bit bizarre.

I mean, that’s slightly bizarre in my opinion. But I get it, playing Djokovic for the first time. I think that tells the story of the match. I think he just overplayed it in his own mind. Playing Djokovic for the first time. Physically and in terms of his skill set, he handled it, but he couldn’t sustain the level. It was a rollercoaster from him. Entertaining at times, but ultimately costing him in the end.

Bergs was chasing his first title of his career and reached the fourth round of a Masters 1000 tournament for the first time. Djokovic is bidding to win a record-extending 41st Masters 1000 title and is set to lock horns with qualifier Valentin Vacherot. Before scheduling the clash with the 38-year-old, the Monegasque knocked out four seeded players: Alexander Bublik, Tomas Machac (gave the walkover), Tallon Griekspoor, and Holger Rune.

Novak Djokovic sends advice to Qinwen Zheng

Two tennis tournaments are underway in two different cities in China. The men are competing at the penultimate Masters 1000 of the season, the Shanghai Masters. In Wuhan, the final WTA 1000 of the season is underway.

Home favorite Qinwen Zheng was the runner-up last year, losing the match to World No. Aryna Sabalenka. Zheng couldn’t participate because she re-injured her elbow.

The Chinese ace injured her elbow during Wimbledon, where she lost to Katerina Siniakova in three sets in the opening round. Zheng then underwent surgery and made her comeback at the China Open.

The 23-year-old, however, was not completely fit, and the rushing only ended up harming her. This is why Novak Djokovic urged her to stay on the sidelines until she gains full fitness.

She has won the gold for China and played finals of Grand Slams, and she has been playing on a very high level. She’s a very nice girl and we get along well. I think she’s got a very good game, great attitude, a good team of people around her. She’s still young, you know, so it’s important to really look at the big picture for her, not only thinking about, okay, I want to come back and play as soon as possible.

Novak Djokovic told Youku

It’s uncertain where the 2024 Paris Olympic gold medalist will play next. But Djokovic has confirmed that he will play an ATP 250 event in Athens in November. The last Masters 1000 title that he won was the 2023 Paris Masters.

The former World No.1 has clinched just the Geneva Open this year and also played the final of the Miami Open (lost to Jakub Mensik). But the WTA World No.10 hasn’t yet clinched a title this year and last won a trophy at the 2024 Japan Open by beating Sofia Kenin.

Also read: Jessica Pegula Reacts to the Humid Conditions Players Are Struggling With at the Wuhan Open

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