Novak Djokovic delivered one of the most remarkable defensive sequences of the 2025 season during his quarter-final victory over Zizou Bergs at the Shanghai Masters. In a pivotal moment late in the second set, Djokovic retrieved five consecutive smashes and drive volleys from Bergs, eventually winning the point and breaking serve to take control of the match.

The crowd erupted as Djokovic scrambled across the baseline, anticipating each shot with precision and refusing to concede. The point was widely hailed as the “defense of the year” by commentators and fans alike, showcasing the Serbian’s legendary court coverage and mental resilience.

Final result and match summary

Djokovic defeated Bergs 6-3, 7-5 to book his place in the semi-finals, marking his 80th career ATP Masters 1000 semi-final appearance. Despite battling physical discomfort, including a left foot issue and lingering fatigue from his previous match against Jaume Munar, Djokovic found a way to elevate his game in key moments.

He initially served for the match at 5-4 in the second set but was broken by a spirited Bergs. In the following game, Djokovic produced the defensive masterclass that led to another break, and this time he closed out the match without error.

Djokovic’s pursuit of another title

The win keeps Djokovic on course for a record-extending fifth Shanghai Masters title and his 41st overall Masters 1000 crown

. He will face qualifier Valentin Vacherot in the semi-finals, after the Monegasque player upset Holger Rune earlier in the day.

ATP Shanghai - Novak Djokovic's projected path

Djokovic in Shanghai, ranking, and results in 2025

Now ranked no.

5, the Serbian has achieved an overall 34-10 match record in 2025. The Serbian is playing in Shanghai where he conquered the world no.94 Marin Cilic 7-6(2) 6-4, the world no.150 Yannick Hanfmann 4-6 7-5 6-3 and the world no.41 Jaume Antoni Munar Clar 6-3 5-7 6-2.

Novak Djokovic will take on the world no.44 Zizou Bergs in the quarter on Thursday at 6:30 pm on STADIUM COURT. In the past, they have never played each other till now in top competitions.

Djokovic has won 1 title in 2025 in Geneva. Novak reached the final in Miami (Miami Open).

The Serbian won 100 titles in his career: 52 on hard courts, 21 on clay courts, 19 on indoor courts and 8 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)