Djokovic to fight for 100th title in Shanghai final

Novak Djokovic struggled with physical problems in a Saturday Shanghai Masters semi-final win which sends the Serb into a bid for more tennis history.

The fourth seed will face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in Sunday’s final, with the 37-year-old bidding for the 100th tournament title of his career.

Sinner, who has dominated this season, earned his spot 6-4, 7-5 over Tomas Machac.

Djokovic was seen by the trainer late in the second set for a hip problem, but the 24-time grand Slam champion battled on, coming from a mini-break down in the tiebreaker to earn his 10th victory without a loss against US Open finalist Taylor Fritz 6-4, 7-6 (6).

The match was the second in a row here where Djokovic had to fight for success.

“I had issues here and there on the court,” he said. But I managed to overcome this – this was a stern test.

“Taylor is on form and playing some of the best tennis of his life. I knew this would be a big test, I really didn’t want to go to a third set.”

The marathon seconds set took an hour and a quarter, with Djokovic prevailing in his first winning chance as Fritz put a return long.

The Serb fourth seed ended finely balanced, with 26 winners and 25 unforced errors; he was able to get to the Fritz serve only once in nine chances.

Djokovic is playing in China for the first time in five years and has won the event four times..

He leads Sinner 4-3 in their series.