When Novak Djokovic, the Serbian star and 24‑time Grand Slam champion, blasted his way into the semi‑finals of the Rolex Shanghai MastersShanghai, China on October 9, 2025, by edging out Belgium’s rising talent Zizou Bergs in a quarter‑final that felt more like a fireworks show than a regular match, the tennis world got a reminder of why his name still echoes in every stadium. The victory secured his tenth semi‑final spot at this ATP Masters 1000 event – a record that puts him in a very exclusive club.
Background: The Rolex Shanghai Masters
First staged in 2009, the Shanghai Masters quickly grew into one of the sport’s marquee stops, thanks to its hefty prize money, state‑of‑the‑art Qizhong Stadium, and the glitz that comes with Rolex’s title sponsorship. The tournament, sanctioned by the ATP Tour, draws the top 96 singles players for a week‑long showdown that runs from the end of September into mid‑October.
After a brief hiccup in the official YouTube description that mistakenly listed the year as 2024, all evidence – video timestamps, player line‑ups and on‑court graphics – confirmed the edition in question is indeed the 2025 tournament. That little typo didn’t change the fact that the event remains a key “must‑win” for anyone chasing the year‑end No. 1 spot.
Quarter‑Final Clash: Djokovic vs. Bergs
Djokovic entered the match as the tournament’s second seed, while Bergs, a 24‑year‑old from Belgium, had earned his place by upsetting a higher‑ranked opponent in the round of 16. The quarter‑final was billed as a classic veteran‑vs‑young‑gun showdown, and it lived up to the hype.
The first set saw both players hold serve until 5‑5, when Djokovic broke Bergs with a backhand down the line that left the Belgian clutching at air. Djokovic closed the set 7‑5. The second set was a tighter affair; Bergs pushed the Serbian to a tiebreak, but a daring drop shot at 6‑6 gave Djokovic the edge, sealing the match 7‑6(4).
The ‘Impossible’ Point and Its Replay
According to a highlight reel posted by Tennis TV, the “IMPOSSIBLE Point” occurred in the second set at 4‑4. Djokovic leapt for a seemingly unreachable forehand, twisted mid‑air, and managed to bounce the ball just inside the baseline, forcing a winning volley from Bergs that the commentators described as “miraculous.” The clip, titled “All The Angles: Novak Djokovic Wins IMPOSSIBLE Point!,” racked up over 1.2 million views within 24 hours, underscoring how a single rally can become a viral moment.
The same channel billed the entire match as “Non‑Stop Entertainment,” a phrase that stuck in fans’ minds and made the quarter‑final one of the most talked‑about sessions of the week.
Reactions from Players and Officials
While neither Djokovic nor Bergs gave a post‑match interview on the video feeds, the tournament director, Wang Qiang, posted on the official Shanghai Masters Twitter account: “What a night of tennis! Congratulations to Novak on a brilliant win and to Zizou for a performance we’ll remember for years.”
In a brief press conference on October 10, the ATP spokesperson, Michele O'Rourke, noted that Djokovic’s consistency at the event “highlights his adaptability on the indoor hard courts, which differ from the slower surfaces of Europe.”
What the Semi‑Final Means for Djokovic
Reaching his tenth Shanghai semi‑final not only adds another feather to Djokovic’s cap but also bolsters his chances of clinching the year‑end No. 1 ranking. As of the week of the quarter‑final, he sits at 3 points behind the leader, with a possible 1000 points on the line from a win in Shanghai.
Experts weigh in: former world No. 1 and analyst Ana Ivanovic told a local sports radio show that “Djokovic’s experience in big‑stage matches like this gives him a psychological edge. The ‘Impossible Point’ is just a symptom of his belief that any ball is winnable.”
Looking Ahead: The Semi‑Final Line‑Up
The semi‑finals are set for October 11‑12. Djokovic will face either Holger Rune or France’s Arthur Vacherot, both of whom battled in the other quarter‑final earlier on October 9. If Djokovic repeats his form, a third straight final appearance at the Shanghai Masters could be on the cards, a feat not achieved since Roger Federer’s three‑peat in 2015‑2017.
The final, scheduled for October 13, promises a showdown between the winner of Djokovic’s half and the champion emerging from the bottom half, which includes a possible clash with the event’s top seed, Daniil Medvedev.
Key Facts
- Djokovic defeated Zizou Bergs 7‑5, 7‑6(4) in the quarter‑final.
- The match featured a viral “IMPOSSIBLE Point” at 4‑4 in the second set.
- This marks Djokovic’s tenth semi‑final appearance at the Shanghai Masters.
- The tournament runs from September 30 to October 13, 2025, at Qizhong Stadium, Shanghai.
- Official live streaming is provided by Tennis TV, the ATP’s exclusive partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Djokovic’s win affect his ranking outlook for 2025?
The victory adds 360 points to Djokovic’s ATP tally, putting him within striking distance of the year‑end No. 1 spot. If he reaches the final, he could earn enough to overtake the current leader, especially if the leader falters in upcoming ATP 500 events.
Who are the likely opponents for Djokovic in the semi‑finals?
Djokovic will face the winner of the Holger Rune vs. Arthur Vacherot match. Both players are in good form, but Rune’s recent run‑through of the European clay season gives him a slight edge on the fast indoor surface.
What makes the ‘IMPOSSIBLE Point’ so memorable?
The point combined raw athleticism—a full‑court dive—with flawless shot execution. Djokovic’s backhand, taken on the run, landed just inside the baseline, forcing Bergs into a frantic volley that missed. The replay’s slow‑motion graphics highlighted the split‑second timing, turning it into a viral clip.
Why is the Shanghai Masters considered a ‘must‑win’ for top players?
As an ATP Masters 1000 event, the Shanghai Masters offers 1000 ranking points to the champion, a sizable payday, and significant prestige. Its timing near the season’s end means a strong performance can swing the race for the year‑end rankings.
Will the tournament’s broadcast be available worldwide?
Yes. Tennis TV streams the matches across 12 platforms, including iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, and major smart‑TV brands, reaching fans in over 180 countries.
Raksha Bhutada
October 10, 2025 AT 05:02Wow, Djokovic keeps showing why he is a legend.
In Shanghai he proved once again that experience beats youth.
The way he chased that impossible point was like a movie.
It reminds us that no one can touch a true champion.
While many Indian players work hard, we still see a gap.
It is a shame that our own academy does not get the same spotlight.
If we had better facilities, maybe a new star could emerge.
The tournament’s glitz and Rolex money make it a dream stage.
Yet the real story is the discipline behind every serve.
Djokovic’s training routine is something aspiring players should study.
The crowd in Shanghai was loud, but that noise could have been ours.
I think the Indian federation should send more players to these events.
It would give them exposure and help close the gap.
Until then we will keep watching from home, cheering for the best.
The semi‑final will be another test of his stamina.
Whatever the outcome, history will remember his tenth Shanghai semi‑final as another milestone.