The insane stat behind Djokovic's Shanghai title assault
Novak Djokovic is just one win away from yet another title in what’s been a stunning season, with one remarkable statistic summing up his tournament in Shanghai.
The 31-year-old stormed past German Alexander Zverev 6-2 6-1 in the first Shanghai Masters semi-final and claimed the world number two ranking from Roger Federer in the process.
The dominant win saw Djokovic extend his winning streak to 17 ATP matches as he progressed through without facing a single break point.
More incredibly, the Serb maintained his stunning form on serve, having not been broken once over the entire 37 games on his racquet throughout the tournament.
Second seed Djokovic, who has returned to his brutal best this season with Grand Slam wins at Wimbledon and the U.S Open, will surpass Federer as world number two when the next edition of the ATP rankings are released on Monday.
“I did everything I intended to do on my end,” the 31-year-old Serb, chasing his 32nd Masters title, said.
“It’s all working and it’s been a couple of perfect matches. There’s a lot of positives to take from my matches this week.”
Djokovic vs. Coric:
ND can get within striking distance of No.1 Nadal on both the Rankings and Race.
Novak hasn’t been broken all tournament—held all 37 of his service games, facing just three break points (two against Cecchinato and one against Anderson).https://t.co/tHwGBw5Ltx— C Kristjánsdóttir ●🐊 (@CristinaNcl) October 13, 2018
Djokovic, who beat South African Kevin Anderson 7-6 6-3 to reach the last four, knows a fourth Shanghai title would help him trim Rafa Nadal’s lead at the top of the rankings. The Spaniard skipped the Asian swing to recover from a knee injury.
However, the Serb’s task won’t be an easy one in the Shanghai final as he comes up against Federer’s conqueror, Borna Coric.
The Croatian produced a masterful display of power-hitting to stun Federer 6-4 6-4.
Coric was quick out of the blocks at the Qi Zhong Stadium as he broke in the opening game against the top seed and only lost five points on serve to clinch the first set in 34 minutes.
Like Djokovic, the Croatian did not allow the Swiss maestro one break point opportunity during a comprehensive display.
Federer, competing in his first ATP tournament since a shock last-16 exit at the U.S. Open, struggled for control against Coric’s bludgeoning returns as the 13th seeded Croat clinched another early break to reach his first ATP Masters final.
The 21-year-old got his second straight win over Federer, having beaten the Swiss to lift the Halle title in June.
“I thought he was better, I think he had more punch on the ball. He served better,” said Federer, proclaiming himself pleased nevertheless with his form.
“I feel like I’m explosive out there, returning well,” he added.
“Serving, I think, it’s okay, could be even a little bit better.
“I don’t think I played a match where I didn’t get broken, so that’s something a bit more unusual for me.”
With agencies