‘Best I’ve played in a while’ – Djokovic moves on in Shanghai

Novak Djokovic moved a step closer to a landmark 100th ATP title with another dominant performance at the Shanghai Masters.

The Serb, 37, reached the quarter-finals with a 6-3 6-1 victory over Russia’s Roman Safiullin.

Djokovic, who won his 99th title with Olympic gold in August, will face Czech teenager Jakub Mensik in the quarter-finals.

The 24-time major champion is aiming to become only the third man – after Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) – to clock up a century of tournament victories.

Asked how he rated his performance against Safiullin out of 10, he said: “Very close to 10. The [past two matches] are some of the best matches I’ve played in a while.”

Making his first return to Shanghai since 2019, Djokovic acknowledged the prospect of winning a landmark title is giving him “extra motivation” in the ATP 1,000 event.

Djokovic, a record four-time champion, has won more matches at the event than any other player.

With a host of other top-10 players remaining in the draw, including Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, tougher tests undoubtedly lie ahead.

But, in his first ATP tournament since a shock third-round exit at the US Open five weeks ago, fourth seed Djokovic has looked sharp.

Causing problems for opponents by serving precisely and overwhelming them in the baseline exchanges, he has not dropped a set against American youngster Alex Michelson, Italian world number 30 Flavio Cobolli and now Safiullin.

“I’m enjoying myself on the court and when you play well you are feeling good, there is a lot of joy in striking a tennis ball,” added Djokovic.

“These matches and sensations are the reasons why I still play.

“I believe I can play at a high level and its about keeping that consistency.”