Djokovic reveals his physical condition before the semifinals in Shanghai

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Novak Djokovic already reaches his second Masters 1000 semifinal of the year at an ATP Shanghai 2024 that has brought back his smile. China tends to be a place where the Serbian glides effortlessly, showing his best self and adding titles to his record. He is now just two matches away from securing his hundredth trophy, a strong motivation to face the final stages of the event. After defeating a determined Jakub Mensik, whom he himself considers "just another fan," Nole ruled out serious knee issues but left a thread of uncertainty after attending the press conference.

- Ninth semifinal in Shanghai after ten participations: What does this opportunity mean to you?

"It means a lot more, as I don't have many chances. My schedule is quite selective, and I haven't played at my best level throughout the year, except perhaps on a couple of occasions like Wimbledon or the Olympics. China has always been a place that brings me joy, where I have played my best tennis in my career. These types of matches, against teenagers (laughs), are something that truly motivates me, makes me stay in the mix, and pushes me to search within myself, to show the world that I still have what it takes, that I still have legs, that I can go toe-to-toe with the youngsters. I am very pleased to have won such a demanding match."

- Did you ever think... you are too old for these runarounds?

"Honestly, no. Mentally, I felt good. Yes, towards the end of the first set, I was a bit more nervous; at that moment, I wasn't playing my best tennis and I got mad at myself for not closing out the first set; however, I quickly returned to the match, starting the second set very well and winning 6-1. In the third set, I had many opportunities on his service games, but his serve is brutal, with a lot of power and precision, it's hard to face. I've known Jakub for three or four years. I've been following his rise in the rankings and his development: he's a lovely guy, very talented, a great project. The future looks fantastic for him; also, his physiotherapist used to be my physiotherapist, Sascha. I will keep following him; he knows he's one of my favorite players, and that I always support him, so hopefully, we can have more matches like this."

- Everything okay with those minor discomforts in your left knee?

"Yes, it's actually a strange sensation, to be honest. I felt it in a couple of points in that game, but afterwards, it was fine. I hope when my body cools down, I won't have any issues with it, as I already have problems with my right knee. We'll see how things are tomorrow."

- Do you feel you are at the ideal level, at this stage, to achieve your 100th title?

"The ideal level is quite relative. I think you can always do better, but I also think I've played very well in this tournament. Michelsen was a tough challenge in the first round, and today was a very tough match against a great server. Tomorrow I face another great server, Fritz, so I must be ready for another tough and close match. Fast conditions, besides, so I hope to be fresh, especially now as we enter the final stretch of the tournament. I hope to earn my ticket to the final."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic desvela cuál es su estado físico antes de las semifinales de Shanghái