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ATP Shanghai has produced a major early shock, with Novak Djokovic eliminated by Hubert Hurkacz in the second round on Friday. The 39-year-old Serbian star was beaten 6-4, 6-3 in a match that lasted just 87 minutes.
The defeat came only days after Djokovic won the China Open title in Beijing. His quick exit in Shanghai marks a dramatic change in fortunes and ends his latest tournament appearance much earlier than expected.
ATP Shanghai delivers a stunning Djokovic upset
Hurkacz controlled the match with an imposing serve and sharp first-strike tennis. Djokovic managed to stay competitive in the rallies, but he could not find enough opportunities against the Polish player’s delivery.
The match turned on a single service break in each set. Hurkacz converted those chances and protected his own serve, preventing Djokovic from building sustained pressure. The result was a straight-sets victory over one of the greatest players in tennis history.
“If you lose your serve, it is enough to lose the match, once per set, and that is what happened,” Djokovic said, as reported by the Associated Press. “It is very difficult to return his serve, almost impossible. So yeah, I did not adjust and it was a really tough draw for me playing him in the first match.”
Hurkacz produces a powerful serving display
Hurkacz entered the contest with a difficult challenge. Djokovic had just captured the China Open crown and arrived in Shanghai with renewed momentum. Instead of allowing the 24-time major champion to dictate play, Hurkacz attacked confidently and maintained control from the opening games.
His serve repeatedly put Djokovic under pressure. The Polish star also kept his composure during important points, refusing to give the former world No. 1 an opening when the sets reached their decisive stages.
“It’s a special night,” Hurkacz said. “He just won Beijing, so it’s very difficult to play against him, but it’s a pleasure for me to share a court with him and play such a legend of the sport.”
- Hubert Hurkacz defeated Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3.
- The second-round match lasted 87 minutes.
- Djokovic lost one service game in each set.
- Hurkacz previously won the Shanghai Masters in 2023.
- Djokovic had won the China Open in Beijing earlier this week.
What the result means for Djokovic
Djokovic accepted the setback without making excuses. He acknowledged that Beijing had been a positive week but said he now needed time to rest before preparing for the indoor portion of the season.
“Beijing was great, and a very early exit here, but it is OK,” Djokovic said. “I had a great week in Beijing, and I look forward to resting a little bit and get ready for the indoors.”
The quick turnaround between tournaments may have been a factor in the difficult assignment. Djokovic arrived in Shanghai after winning a title, then faced a former champion known for one of the most challenging serves on tour. He was unable to adjust quickly enough to Hurkacz’s pace and placement.
For Hurkacz, the victory is a significant boost. Beating Djokovic so soon after the Serbian’s title run gives the 2023 Shanghai champion a notable result and could provide valuable confidence for the matches ahead.
A major opportunity opens in Shanghai
Djokovic’s departure changes the shape of the Shanghai Masters draw. With one of the sport’s biggest names gone in the second round, the remaining players have a greater opportunity to make a deep run and claim one of the season’s important titles.
Hurkacz, meanwhile, will look to carry his serving form into the next round. His performance showed how effectively he can pressure elite opponents when his first serve is working and his baseline game remains disciplined.
The result also underlines the unpredictable nature of the ATP Tour. Even after winning in Beijing, Djokovic could not reproduce that success in Shanghai. For Hurkacz, the upset was a reminder that a focused performance can overturn expectations against any opponent.
Frequently asked questions
Who defeated Novak Djokovic at the ATP Shanghai Masters?
Hubert Hurkacz defeated Novak Djokovic in the second round of the Shanghai Masters.
What was the score between Hurkacz and Djokovic?
Hurkacz won the match 6-4, 6-3 in straight sets.
How long did the match last?
The contest lasted 87 minutes.
When did Hurkacz previously win the Shanghai Masters?
Hubert Hurkacz won the Shanghai Masters in 2023.
What tournament did Djokovic win before Shanghai?
Djokovic won the China Open in Beijing earlier in the week before his early exit in Shanghai.
