Rolex Shanghai Masters—Shanghai, China
Djokovic, Fritz Reach Shanghai Masters Semifinals; Sabalenka Advances in Wuhan
Four-time former champion Novak Djokovic reached the semifinals of the Shanghai Masters on Friday in China, defeating Jakub Mensik from Czechia 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-4.
Overcoming the loss of the first set, Djokovic used his experience and stellar backhand to advance in two hours and 20 minutes.
Striking 17 winners and hitting seven aces, Djokovic will next face No. 7 seed Taylor Fritz on Saturday.
The American easily advanced over former top-tenner David Goffin 6-3, 6-4 earlier in the day. Fritz has never defeated Djokovic in nine previous meetings. Djokovic has also only lost two sets against Fritz in 20 sets played.
Saturday’s other semifinal will feature world No. 1 Jannik Sinner taking on Tomas MacHac. MacHac ousted No. 3 seed Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.
MacHac recently reached the fourth round of the US Open. He also won the Olympic Gold Medal in Mixed doubles with partner Katerina Siniakova.
Sinner, who has reached the quarterfinals or better of every event he has played in 2024, will more than likely finish the year ranked No. 1.
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Dongfeng Voyah · Wuhan Open—Wuhan, China
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka kept her hopes alive for a three-peat at the Wuhan Open on Friday, defeating Magdalena Frech 6-2, 6-2 in one hour and 23 minutes.
Sabalenka used her potent serve and return game to win 72 percent of her second serve points and broke serve on five occasions.
The 26-year-old will next face No. 4 seed Coco Gauff. Gauff ousted Magda Linette 6-0, 6-4. The American won the Beijing Open last week in China.
Elsewhere, Xinyu Wang reached the final four after dismissing Ekaterina Alexandrova 4-6, 7-5, 7-6(8).
Still to come on Friday, No. 3 Jasmine Paolini will face No. 5 seed Qinwen Zheng. The winner will face Wang on Saturday.
Check back for daily updates from TennisConnected.com throughout the fortnight for your up-to-date schedules, reviews, draws and results.
