Novak Djokovic happy with form after reaching Shanghai Masters quarter-finals - 'The reasons why I still play'

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Four-time Shanghai Masters champion Novak Djokovic is into the quarter-finals in China after a straight sets win over Roman Safiullin. The Serbian is playing in his first tournament since his shock early exit from the US Open in August and says he is happy with his form in China, adding that it is is giving him 'a lot of joy'. Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev are also through.

Djokovic sweeps past Cobolli to reach last 16 in Shanghai

Video credit: SNTV

Novak Djokovic said his tennis at the Shanghai Masters is bringing him “a lot of joy” after he reached the quarter-finals with victory against Roman Safiullin.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion beat his Russian opponent in straight sets to secure his progress in the competition.

Djokovic was largely untroubled in a 6-3 6-2 win which sets up a clash with Czech teenager Jakub Mensik in the next round.

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With 99 ATP tour titles to his name, the Serbian is aiming to collect a milestone trophy in China which would see him enter an exclusive club.

Only Jimmy Connor and Roger Federer have 100 tournament victories in the record books.

Playing in his first event since his shock third round exit at the US Open, Djokovic has been seeking to rediscover his top form.

He had already beaten Alex Michelsen and Flavio Cobolli to get to the round of 16.

Speaking after his latest win, Djokovic was asked how highly he would rate his performances so far in Shanghai.

"Very close to 10. The [past two matches] are some of the best matches I've played in a while," he said.

"I'm enjoying myself on the court and when you play well you are feeling good, there is a lot of joy in striking a tennis ball.

"These matches and sensations are the reasons why I still play.

"I believe I can play at a high level and it's about keeping that consistency.”

Even if he gets past Mensik, Djokovic will face fierce competition for his fifth Shanghai title, with Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev all also through to the latter stages of the competition.

Highlights: Alcaraz reaches Shanghai quarters after victory over Monfils

Video credit: SNTV

Alcaraz got past Gael Monfils in straight sets, to avenge his defeat to the Frenchman in Cincinnati earlier this year.

Sinner was forced to a tie-break in the second set against Ben Shelton but navigated it to get through the match in two sets.

Medvedev managed to keep his concentration when his opponent Stefanos Tsitsipas threw a tantrum at the umpire regarding a time violation and refused to play until he had spoken to a supervising official.

When play resumed, Medvedev closed it out in straight sets.

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