SHANGHAI (Reuters) – Novak Djokovic sauntered past Spaniard Feliciano Lopez to reach the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters on Thursday but Andy Murray had to claw past big-serving American John Isner after losing a first-set tiebreaker.
Dominant world number one Djokovic, twice a champion in Shanghai, eased to a 6-2 6-3 victory to stay on track for a ninth title of the
year having picked up his eighth last week in Beijing where he dropped only 18 games in five matches.
The Serb, who could face Murray in the semifinals, looks unbeatable, but warned there is still room for improvement.
“I still believe there are shots in my game that can be better. I think that’s one of the things that keeps me going. It motivates me to play more,” Djokovic told the ATP website.
Djokovic … reaches quarterfinals
Murray, playing his first tournament since helping Britain into the Davis Cup final last month, had to produce some of his best tennis in the face of 22 Isner aces.
The 28-year-old world number two finally preserved his perfect record against the American, winning 6-7(4) 6-4 6-4.
Murray managed a crucial break of serve at 5-4 in the second set and broke a tiring opponent in the seventh game of the final set on his way to victory.
“His serve is tough to read, obviously,” Murray said. “He has a great serve. It’s hard to return in perfect conditions.
“So when the ball’s coming in and out of the shade, and his ball toss, as well, it’s difficult. When the sun went away, the court was in the shade, I found it easier to see the serve.
“I created a lot of chances in the second and third sets.”
While Djokovic is beyond his reach in the rankings this year, Murray believes he can have a tilt at top spot next year.
“Obviously this year I have a good chance to finish at number two, which would be the first time for me,” he said.
“This year, although I’m a long way behind Novak in the rankings, a few matches can
change that significantly. Grand slam semifinals and finals, they’re the matches that are for big, big points.”
