Novak Djokovic defeated Belgian player Zizou Bergs on Thursday to advance to the Shanghai Masters semi-finals.
Djokovic has now reached the semi-finals in Shanghai on 10 occasions, and he is now the strong favourite to win the title for a fifth time.
After failing to serve for the match at 5-4 in the second set, Djokovic steadied himself, breaking again before serving out the match.
Djokovic’s 6-3, 7-5 victory has earned him a semi-final clash against history-maker Valentin Vacherot: the qualifier ranked 204 in the world.
Vacherot snapped a 25-year streak earlier on Thursday after stunning Holger Rune.
Novak Djokovic says Valentin Vacherot has always had great potential
Speaking to the media after his victory against Bergs, Djokovic noted the importance of Vacherot’s success to the country of Monaco.
Djokovic said: “I’ve known him for the last couple of years. Obviously, he’s ranked before this tournament 200-plus. He’s been around. He’s playing for Monaco, which is a really great success, the biggest historical success for Monaco.
“It’s amazing. So everyone is excited there. We know we have one of the nicest and biggest tournaments in our sport there in Monaco.
“So I’m glad for him, for his team. Benjamin Balleret is someone I’ve known for many years from Monaco, because being based there for 15 years, training at the Monte-Carlo Country Club.
“He’s been improving a lot. We always knew that he’s got a great potential, with a big serve, a big game, he’s a big guy.
“He kind of plays quite similar to Rinderknech, you know. And I see that they’re quite close. The serve particularly reminds me of Arthur as well.
“So it’s great to see that chemistry between them, that they’re supporting each other. Arthur was there the whole match.
“Yeah, historic success for him and, yeah, I’m looking forward to playing him. Hopefully, I can get a win.”
Novak Djokovic says the Chinese crowd gives him ‘wings’
Following his victory against Bergs, Djokovic commented on the influence of the Chinese crowd during his matches.
Djokovic has looked physically weary in multiple matches in Shanghai and has frequently sought the support of the crowd during his matches to help aid his energy levels.
Speaking to Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport, Djokovic expressed his love for playing in China.
“It’s no secret that I love playing in China,” Djokovic said.
“I’ve just mentioned, you know, the support of the crowd definitely makes you feel comfortable, gives you wings, wind in your sails when you’re on the court, feeling down, they lift you up.
“So that’s what’s happening basically every single match. Last couple of matches for me here, been struggling quite a bit with energy levels, and every opportunity that I get, the crowd feels it and they extend behind me, and I can hear that noise, and that energy drives me.
“I’m enjoying myself, as much as I’m suffering at the same time, I’m enjoying too, playing in front of them.
