Novak Djokovic Leaves Shanghai Masters, Lost In Early Rounds

 

Novak Djokovic lost out in the Shanghai Masters Round of 64 to Hubert Hurkacs, for the first time in nine major singles meetings. 

The Serb ended his major singles title drought at the China Open, maintaining an unbeaten run of 34 consecutive set wins. He was eliminated by H in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, ending his bid for his first Masters title since the 2023 Paris Masters. 

In the first set, Hubert converted his break-point advantage in the ninth game to claim a set point. He dominated the second set, winning a break-point for the second time in the 10th game and claimed the match on his serve as Djokovic unforced a backhand return. 

Djokovic won his 102nd major singles title in Beijing. He is the all-time biggest Shanghai Masters winner with four titles, followed by retired Swiss player Roger Federer with two. 

Hubert is a two-time Masters 1000 title winner, including the 2023 Shanghai Masters. He reached the China Open semi-final, retiring in the second set, losing in straight sets to Alexander de Minaur. In the next round, the Polish player will face a Chinese opponent, Zhou Yi,