Djokovic updates his physical condition: "It seems that something always happens with my body in every match"

Carlos Navarro | 9 Oct 2025 | 16.15

Djokovic advances in Shanghai... with his focus on his physical condition. Source: Getty

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Novak Djokovic is two matches away from regaining a major ATP title. Beyond the joy at the Olympic Games, it's been two seasons since the Serbian has won a Masters 1000 or higher category tournament, a motivating factor that fuels his competitiveness. In a lineup that no longer includes his particular nightmares, Alcaraz and Sinner, he is driven to push his physical limits a little further with each match.

His encounter with Zizou Bergs didn't differ much, although Bergs presented less resistance in long exchanges compared to Jaume Munar. Novak Djokovic took a small breather and avoided another marathon, a much-welcomed breather to face the final stretch of an ATP Shanghai 2025 where he feels at home. How is he feeling after today's match? Is there enough gas in the tank to clinch the title? All these questions and more will be answered in a press conference by Nole, who also showed full knowledge of his upcoming opponent, a Valentin Vacherot confirmed as the tournament's big revelation.

Djokovic gives an update on his physical condition and shows determination to conquer the crown in Shanghai

- Just two wins away from the title after a match against Bergs that the journalist described as "easy"

"Today's match may have seemed easy for you, but I assure you it wasn't easy. There's no easy victory at this level. Zizou Bergs played incredible tennis throughout this tournament. I believe it would be disrespectful to him to call it an easy win. It was a truly fought victory in two sets. My leg felt good today. It seems like something is always happening with my body in almost every match I play right now. There are other issues I'm dealing with every day, and I hope everything improves as the tournament progresses. I have a rest day before my semifinal, which is really positive. I'll come back with the right attitude and the intention to win."

- After so much time on the circuit and having won everything, is there still something that surprises you, something that leaves you in awe?

"(Smiling) I would say Wimbledon's Centre Court. Stepping on Wimbledon's Centre Court is a feeling unlike any other. I'm not the only one; I know that most players dream of playing and winning at Wimbledon, so I consider myself privileged to have won that trophy several times. Every time I head to the locker rooms and walk to the Centre Court, through the members' area, seeing the hallway lined with photos of champions, how sophisticated and well-maintained everything is... it's a different feeling. It gives me goosebumps, indeed."

And honestly, not just because we're here, but stepping onto the Centre Court here in China always brings about many emotions and feelings due to all the support I've received. I didn't expect it to be this way this year, so much. I know people appreciate and respect everything I've accomplished, but it's getting better every season. I try to reciprocate that love with good tennis, and hopefully, they have been enjoying it."

- 10 semifinals in 11 appearances at this tournament, a total record

"It's no secret that I love playing in China. The support from the crowd makes me feel very comfortable, it boosts my morale. When you feel low on energy on the court, they lift you up. That's what has happened to me in almost every match of this edition. I've struggled a bit with my energy levels. Every time an opportunity arises, the crowd senses it and starts cheering me on. I hear that noise, those shouts, and that energy serves as a bellows. I'm enjoying it. As much as I'm suffering, at the same time, I enjoy playing in front of this audience."

- The incredible point where he defended five shots and ended up winning it, one of the points of the year

"Honestly, right now I prefer shorter exchanges (smiling). Especially in those moments of the match. It was 30-0, I lost my serve when serving for the match; then he was 30-0, and I managed to level it to 30-30. I don't know, I could read his serve. Any player can tell you that here, in this tournament, it's very difficult to finish points. If you hit the ball too high, it seems to go into a very dark spot, and it's very hard to see the ball when you play at night. I knew that, and he had already missed a shot on a break point at 3-2 in the first set, so I felt he wasn't too confident with his shot.

I have to say, the last defense I made in that point, where the ball practically hit me, I don't know how I did it, honestly. I was just trying to give myself a chance to stay in the point. Yes, it probably ended up being the pivotal point of the match."

- Next stop, a Valentin Vacherot that he knows fully well after spending so much time in Monaco

"I've known him for a couple of years. Before the tournament, he was outside the top 200, but he has been part of the circuit for some time. He's making history for Monaco, it's amazing, everyone is excited there, and we know we have one of the most historic and beautiful tournaments in our sport in Monaco. I'm happy for him and his team. Benjamin Balleret (former player and Vacherot's coach) is someone I've known for a long time, having been based there for 15 years and having trained a lot at the Montecarlo Country Club.

Vacherot is improving greatly. We always knew he had potential, with a very powerful serve, a very aggressive game, he's a big guy. I think he plays quite similarly to Rinderknech, and I've seen that they are very close. His serve reminds me of Arthur's, in fact. It's great to see the chemistry between them and how they support each other, Arthur was present throughout his cousin's match. Yes, a historic achievement for him, so I'm looking forward to that match, hoping to take the victory."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Djokovic actualiza su estado físico: "Parece que siempre ocurre algo con mi cuerpo en cada partido"

Novak Djokovic