Preview: Novak Djokovic vs. Taylor Fritz – prediction, head-to-head, tournament so far

A motivated Novak Djokovic is two wins from a 100th title and aims for success in Saturday’s Shanghai Masters semi-final against in-form Taylor Fritz.

The American is on a dominant run in China, where he has not dropped a set, giving him the best shot at breaking his losing streak against the four-time champion in Shanghai.

 


Match preview

Novak Djokovic reacts at the Shanghai Masters on October 8, 2024.jpeg© Imago

A shock seemed on the cards when Jakub Mensik came back from a break down against Djokovic to clinch a first-set tiebreak, but the Serbian refocused to secure a 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-4 triumph and advance to a ninth semi-final appearance at the Masters event.

Chasing a 100th title, the 37-year-old is only two victories away from claiming a fifth crown at the ongoing event and securing his first ATP Tour success this season.

Mensik pushed Djokovic to the limit, firing 17 aces and forcing the Serb to drop a set for the first time in the ATP 1000 event; however, the Serb’s experience and resilience ultimately prevailed in the nearly two-and-a-half-hour contest.

The upshot of Friday’s quarter-final success means the 24-time Grand Slam champion will compete in his 78th Masters 1000 semi-final against Fritz, continuing his impressive comeback following an underwhelming season by his lofty standards, where he recently exited in round three to Alexei Popyrin at the final Major of 2024.

An unblemished record against Saturday’s opponent makes him the favourite to face Jannik Sinner or Tomas Machac in Sunday’s final, but he must not underrate the 2024 US Open finalist.

Taylor Fritz in action at the Shanghai Masters on October 11, 2024© Imago

Fritz’s first match-up with David Goffin in three years was anticipated to go the distance, with the in-form Belgian already getting the better of two seeded opponents, Lorenzo Musetti and Alexander Zverev, en route to facing the 26-year-old United States player in Friday’s last-eight match.

However, the world No. 7 efficiently defeated Goffin 6-3, 6-4 in 82 minutes to book his spot in the semifinals, where he will face the formidable challenge of Djokovic, a player he has never beaten.

Back in another Masters 1000 semi-final this season and a first since reaching the last four on the clay courts of Madrid, Fritz aims to finally get one over his Serbian opponent in Shanghai and secure a different outcome to his two-set loss to Andrey Rublev in that appearance in a last-four ATP 1000 event.

Having advanced to this stage without dropping a set against Terence AtmaneYosuke WatanukiHolger Rune, and Goffin, the American No. 1 player faces his toughest test against the former world No. 1.

His only triumph at a Masters tournament came against soon-to-retire Rafael Nadal at Indian Wells two years back, showcasing his adeptness against one of the members of the ‘Big Three’, and he hopes his current form and 2022 victory over Nadal elevate his confidence ahead of Saturday’s semi-final.

 


Tournament so far

Novak Djokovic:

First round: Bye
Second round: vs. Alex Michelsen 7-6[3] 7-6[9]
Third round: vs. Flavio Cobolli 6-1 6-2
Round of 16: vs. Roman Safiullin 6-3 6-2
Quarter-final: vs. Jakub Mensik 6-7[4] 6-1 6-4

Taylor Fritz:

First round: Bye
Second round: vs. Terence Atmane 7-6(4) 7-6(5)
Third round: vs. Yosuke Watanuki 6-3 6-4
Round of 16: vs. Holger Rune 6-1 6-2
Quarter-final: vs. David Goffin 6-3 6-4

 


Head To Head

Australian Open (2024) – Quarter-final: Djokovic 7-6(3) 4-6 6-2 6-3

US Open (2023) – Quarter-final: Djokovic 6-1 6-4 6-4

Cincinnati Masters (2023) – Quarter-final: Djokovic 6-0 6-4

ATP Finals (2022) – Semi-final: Djokovic 7-6(5) 7-6(6)

Paris Masters (2021) – Quarter-final: Djokovic 6-4 6-3

Rome Masters (2021) – Round of 32: Djokovic 6-3 7-6(5)

Australian Open (2021) – Third round: Djokovic 7-6(1) 6-4 3-6 4-6 6-2

Madrid Masters (2019) – Round of 32: Djokovic 6-4 6-2

Monte-Carlo Masters (2019) – Round of 16: Djokovic 6-3 6-0

Djokovic holds an incredible 9-0 lead in his head-to-head with the American and seeks a 10th victory over the 26-year-old this weekend.

Fritz has historically struggled against the four-time Shanghai Masters champion, winning only three sets out of 24 against the Serbian superstar.

However, two came in their epic Australian Open five-setter in 2021, when the United States player fought back from two sets down to level the match before Djokovic refocused to clinch the decider.

Fritz enters Saturday’s match-up with a 49-19 record and aims to record his 50th victory against an opponent with a 36-8 record before the last-four match.

Related Posts

Rafael Nadal drops worrying hint ahead of last professional tennis match

Rafael Nadal is once again struggling with injury problems (Picture: Getty) Rafael Nadal has hinted he may have to cancel his scheduled last professional tennis match due to…

WATCH: Rafael Nadal, Jr. steals the show cheering for dad at the Six Kings Slam

Rafael Nadal’s wife and son were in attendance for his Six Kings Slam clash against Novak Djokovic (Source: Getty) Rafael Nadal’s baby son stole the spotlight at…

Rafael Nadal given extraordinary gift after final match against Novak Djokovic

Rafael Nadal with a golden tennis racket Rafael Nadal was presented with a solid gold tennis racket complete with golden strings after he played the final singles…

Rafael Nadal sends Novak Djokovic heartfelt message after last dance of epic rivalry at Six Kings Slam

(L-R) Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal Rafael Nadal thanked Novak Djokovic “for everything” in a heartfelt message after the pair played for the last time at the…

Novak Djokovic’s outfit for ATP Finals 2024 revealed

Rolex Paris Masters – Day Seven – Source: Getty Novak Djokovic’s outfit for the 2024 ATP Finals has been revealed. The 37-year-old will be looking to defend…

Six Kings Slam Prize Money: How long did Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic play to earn $1.5M?

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic on the main tour (Images via Getty) Rafael Nadal played 169 minutes at the Six Kings Slam while Novak Djokovic played 238…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *