Djokovic Advances to Shanghai Semifinals After Defeating Bergs
Novak Djokovic and Zizou Bergs faced off this Thursday for a spot in the Shanghai Masters 1000 semifinals. In the opening games, both players were sizing each other up, but the Serbian accelerated in the 6th game to break his opponent's serve.
Despite three break points for the Belgian, Djokovic held his serve and then earned 5 set points on Bergs' serve, which he failed to convert.
He ultimately won the first set on his own serve with a score of 6-3. Struggling with breathing issues, Djokovic had to rely on his serve to stay in the match during the second set.
He finally managed to break his opponent in the 9th game. However, while serving for the match, Djokovic saw his opponent get back into the game due to poor serving.
But the Serbian didn't let it get him down, as shown in a crucial point at 30-30 and 5-5, where he had to produce exceptional defense against 5 volleys and smashes—the video of which can be seen below.
With another break in hand, Djokovic gave himself a scare again by missing 2 match points and facing a break point for his opponent, but he ultimately pulled through and won with a score of 6-3, 7-5.
Interviewed on court after the match, the Serbian revealed: "I'm just trying to survive this week."
He will face Valentin Vacherot for a spot in the Shanghai final.
Shanghai 
