Tennis legend Novak Djokovic admitted feeling "concerned" about his physical condition Thursday but powered through to the Shanghai Masters semifinals with a 6-3, 7-5 win over Belgium’s Zizou Bergs. The 24-time Grand Slam champ now faces Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot, ranked 204th globally, in what’s shaping up to be a classic underdog showdown. 🚨
"I’m trying to address [health issues] day by day," Djokovic told reporters, brushing off specifics. "I’m still in the tournament—that’s what matters." Meanwhile, Vacherot, who stunned World No. 11 Holger Rune in a dramatic three-set thriller, declared: "My body feels amazing!" 💥
Vacherot’s journey to the semis reads like a sports movie script 📽️: He nearly missed qualifying altogether, clawed back from a first-set loss against Rune, and clinched victory with a mix of grit and clutch tiebreak play. "I just kept fighting harder," said the 26-year-old, who fell to his knees after the win.
With Djokovic eyeing his fifth Shanghai title and Vacherot riding a Cinderella wave, Friday’s match promises high drama. Will fitness be the decider? Stay tuned. ⏳
