An early service hold sets up Hurkacz’s breakthrough
Hubert Hurkacz defeated Novak Djokovic 6–4, 6–3 in the Shanghai Masters second round on October 9, securing his first victory against the Serbian in nine meetings. The match lasted 87 minutes at the Qi Zhong Tennis Center.
The 2023 Shanghai champion protected his serve at an important early moment, saving two break points in the third game. He finished by winning 36 of 44 points behind his first delivery, according to the tournament’s match report.
Hurkacz was appearing in Shanghai for the first time since his title run three years earlier. The result extended his winning sequence at the event to eight matches.
Djokovic arrived after winning the China Open in Beijing and was contesting his sixth match in 10 days. Hurkacz’s straight-sets victory ended that run in China and moved the Polish player into the third round of the Masters 1000 tournament.