Novak Djokovic fell short in his quest to claim a fifth Shanghai Masters title on Sunday, losing in straight sets to Italy’s Jannik Sinner, 7-6, 6-3. Despite the loss, the 37-year-old Serbian legend added another remarkable achievement to his storied career by becoming only the second player aged 37 or older to reach a Masters 1000 final. The only other player to have achieved this feat is none other than his great rival, Roger Federer, who first accomplished the milestone at the 2018 Cincinnati Masters.
Federer set the standard for older players by reaching a Masters 1000 final at 37, and he later extended his record at the 2019 Indian Wells and Miami tournaments. Now, Djokovic joins Federer in this exclusive club, proving once again that age is just a number for the greatest players in tennis history. While Djokovic couldn’t add another Masters 1000 title to his collection this time, his ability to compete at the highest level even after turning 37 is a testament to his extraordinary longevity and physical conditioning.
Competing in Shanghai for the first time since 2019, Djokovic’s path to the final was filled with tough battles and gritty performances, showcasing the resilience that has defined his career. The Serbian star started his campaign with a hard-fought victory over 19-year-old Alex Michelsen, winning 7-6(6), 7-6(7) in nearly two hours. Michelsen, a rising talent from the United States, gave Djokovic a serious challenge, leading 4-1 in the first set and saving set points in both sets before ultimately falling short in two tie-breaks. Djokovic, as he has done so many times in his career, raised his level in the critical moments to secure a straight-sets victory.
In the third round, Djokovic faced Italy’s Flavio Cobolli, cruising to a 6-1, 6-2 win in just 63 minutes. The four-time Shanghai champion was in complete control, dropping only seven points on his serve and dominating the baseline rallies. His superior experience and precision overpowered the young Italian, allowing Djokovic to advance comfortably to the fourth round.
Next, Djokovic took on Roman Safiulin, a player he had already beaten twice before. Once again, Djokovic came out on top, securing a 6-3, 6-2 victory to reach his 95th Masters 1000 quarterfinal. Safiulin put up a fight early in the match, earning three break points, but Djokovic’s superior defense and clinical serving kept him in control. The Serbian star capitalized on his opportunities, breaking Safiulin three times and moving one step closer to the final.
The quarterfinal stage saw Djokovic face 18-year-old Czech sensation Jakub Menšík. Menšík managed to take a set from Djokovic, winning the first set in a tie-break, but the veteran bounced back in style, winning 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-4. Djokovic’s ability to reset and raise his level after losing the opener was crucial, as he dominated the second set and broke Menšík’s serve in the third set to seal the win. With this victory, Djokovic reached his ninth Shanghai Masters semifinal, where he faced American No. 1, Taylor Fritz.
Djokovic’s semifinal clash with Fritz marked their 10th meeting, with the Serbian holding a perfect 9-0 record against the American. Despite suffering a leg injury in the second set, Djokovic fought through the pain to win 6-4, 7-6(5) in just under two hours. Fritz, who has consistently struggled against Djokovic, saved eight of the nine break points he faced but was unable to convert his own chances. Djokovic’s relentless pressure and tactical play earned him the victory and a spot in the final, making him the second-oldest player to reach a Masters 1000 final.
In the highly anticipated final, Djokovic faced the world No. 1, Jannik Sinner. The 23-year-old Italian has emerged as one of the brightest talents on the ATP Tour and had already beaten Djokovic in four of their previous five meetings. Sinner delivered another masterful performance in Shanghai, winning 7-6(7), 6-3 to capture his third Masters 1000 title of the season.
The first set was a tight contest, with both players serving exceptionally well. Sinner, however, found a way to edge out Djokovic in the tie-break, winning 9-7 and taking control of the match. The second set saw Sinner break Djokovic’s serve early, and the young Italian never looked back, closing out the match in one hour and 37 minutes. Sinner’s victory was built on his aggressive baseline play, as he hit 22 winners and committed only 17 unforced errors, compared to Djokovic’s 12 winners.
Sinner’s ability to neutralize Djokovic’s serve and attack his backhand was key to his victory. The Italian did not face a single break point throughout the match, constantly putting pressure on Djokovic’s service games. In contrast, Djokovic struggled to find his rhythm in the longer rallies, and his injury from the Fritz match may have played a role in his performance.
Despite the loss, Djokovic’s run in Shanghai further solidified his place among the sport’s greats. His ability to compete at the highest level at 37 is remarkable, and with his sights set on more titles, Djokovic continues to defy the limits of age in tennis. His quest for a 100th ATP title is still alive, and while Sinner emerged victorious this time, Djokovic remains a formidable opponent, capable of adding to his already legendary career.
As Djokovic moves forward, the tennis world will continue to marvel at his durability, mental toughness, and incredible consistency. Whether or not he can catch Federer’s Masters 1000 titles record remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Novak Djokovic is far from finished, and his presence at the top of the sport is as strong as ever.