Dominant Djokovic Advances at Shanghai Masters Amidst Drama

SHANGHAI — In pursuit of his 100th career title, Novak Djokovic experienced a relatively smooth ride in his second match at the Shanghai Masters, decisively defeating Flavio Cobolli with a score of 6-1, 6-2 on Tuesday. Djokovic ended the match with his 19th winner, placing a strategic forehand beyond Cobolli, who had been stretched wide by the Serbian’s service.

The fourth-seeded Djokovic successfully avoided any break points in the third round of the tournament. This match stood in contrast to his previous encounter against Tommy Paul of the United States, which was extended to two tiebreakers where he saved multiple set points. “Cobolli was evidently exhausted after last night’s match,” Djokovic commented regarding his Italian opponent, who had advanced after defeating three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka. “I think that has taken a toll, physically, on him today.”

Djokovic, who has previously won four of his 99 titles in Shanghai, is set to go against the 61st-ranked Roman Safiullin next. Safiullin came from behind to overthrow the 13th-seeded Frances Tiafoe 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (5) in a match filled with tension, culminating in Tiafoe expressing his frustration by directing expletives at the umpire following a time violation call.

Later in the day, Alexander Zverev, ranked third, also had a contentious exchange with the umpire over a correctly called double bounce. Zverev ultimately converted his eighth match point to defeat Adrian Mannarino 7-6 (6), 2-6, 7-6 (5). The competition is set to intensify as Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev will continue their rivalry after Tsitsipas defeated Hubert Hurkacz 6-3, 7-5. The upcoming match will mark the 14th meeting between Tsitsipas and Medvedev, with past encounters leaving tensions on and off the court.

In other matches, the No. 16-ranked Jannik Sinner ousted Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-4, preparing to face top seed Carlos Alcaraz in the fourth round. Meanwhile, seventh-ranked Andrey Rublev advanced comfortably against Japan’s Yosuke Watanuki. The 38-year-old Gael Monfils caused an upset by defeating 15th-ranked Nicolas Mahut 7-6 (7), 2-6, 6-1, becoming the second oldest player after Roger Federer to reach the Shanghai fourth round.

Also noteworthy was Taylor Fritz, who surpassed Australian Chris O'Connell 6-4, 6-2, setting up a match against 13th-ranked Alexander Zverev in the third round.