ഷാങ്ഹായ് മാസ്റ്റേഴ്സിൽ അപ്രതീക്ഷിത തോൽവി: ചൈന ഓപ്പൺ വിജയത്തിന് പിന്നാലെ നോവാക് ജോക്കോവിച്ചിന് തിരിച്ചടി

Novak Djokovic's impressive China Open triumph failed to translate into success at the Shanghai Masters as the Serbian great suffered a shock second-round exit on Friday, October 9. Hubert Hurkacz defeated the former World No. 1 6-4, 6-3 in just 87 minutes, bringing Djokovic's campaign to an early end.

Djokovic had arrived in Shanghai riding high after winning his record seventh China Open title in Beijing earlier in the week. The 39-year-old defeated Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals before advancing past Daniil Medvedev in a controversial semi-final that ended with the Russian's disqualification. Djokovic then claimed the title after Alex de Minaur retired from the final with an injury while trailing 7-6(3), 0-1.

The victory marked Djokovic's 102nd career tour-level title, extended his unbeaten record in Beijing to 34 matches, and made him the first player in tennis history to win at least one singles title in 21 consecutive seasons. It was a remarkable achievement for the Serbian, who had described his week in Beijing as the best of his season so far.

However, the momentum he had built in the Chinese capital proved difficult to sustain in Shanghai. Despite arriving with renewed confidence, Djokovic struggled to find his rhythm against a determined Hurkacz, who delivered a composed and powerful performance.

HOW HURKACZ OVERPOWERED DJOKOVIC

Hurkacz, the 2023 Shanghai Masters champion, produced an impressive display of serving and baseline aggression to register his first victory over Djokovic in nine meetings. The Pole had previously retired from his China Open semi-final against de Minaur because of an adductor injury, but looked sharp against the Serbian.

The decisive moment came early in the opening set when Hurkacz saved two break points in the third game. Having escaped that pressure, he gradually took control, using his powerful serve and precise groundstrokes to prevent Djokovic from dictating rallies.

Djokovic appeared short of energy following his demanding week in Beijing and struggled to match Hurkacz's intensity. The Pole took the first set before maintaining his advantage in the second, completing a convincing victory without allowing the four-time Shanghai champion to mount a comeback.

Hurkacz will next face either Italy's Lorenzo Musetti or Chinese wild card Zhou Yi in the third round. With an eight-match winning streak in Shanghai, the Pole will be keen to build on his breakthrough victory.

For Djokovic, the defeat is a disappointing setback after a memorable week in Beijing. While his China Open triumph showcased his enduring class, Shanghai served as a reminder that carrying momentum from one tournament to another is never guaranteed.