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Victor Petkov
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Djokovic beats Bergs in Shanghai to reach 80th Masters 1000 semifinal
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The Serbian legend will face world number 204 Valentin Vacherot in the last four

Novak Djokovic advanced to his 80th Masters 1000 semifinal after defeating Belgium’s Zizou Bergs 6-3, 7-5 in a hard-fought 1 hour and 50 minutes at the Shanghai Rolex Masters.

The four-time Shanghai champion showed his trademark resilience, saving four of five break points and converting three of five on his opponent’s serve. Bergs put up a fight, striking 25 winners, but his 40 unforced errors proved costly against Djokovic.

Djokovic earned the first break in the sixth game of the opening set to move ahead 4-2, then fended off three break points in the following game before sealing the set 6-3 on his sixth set point after 50 minutes of play.

The second set was more competitive, with both players holding serve through the first eight games. Djokovic broke to lead 5-4, but Bergs immediately broke back with some inspired returning. The Serbian, however, reclaimed the advantage in the 11th game and served out the match despite squandering two match points and facing a late break point. He finally closed it out on his third match point to secure the win.

With the victory, Djokovic moves into the semifinals, where he will face world number 204 Valentin Vacherot, as he continues his pursuit of a record-extending fifth Shanghai Masters crown.