Novak Djokovic returned to action after waiting tow days to play as the rain-hit Shanghai masters struggled to catch up a schedule damaged by three days of rain interruptions.
While major names have been safe under the showcourt roof, the rest of the ack has had to make do with hit-or-miss scheduling around the poor weather.
But fourth seed Djokovic restored some order in his own life with a 6-1, 6-2 hammering of Flavio Cobolli a day after the Italian beat Swiss Stan Wawrinka.
With five days to go at the extended-length (nearly two week) event, players face four matches in five days to get to Sunday’s finishing line.
That is no sweat for 24-time grand Slam champion Djokovic, who at 37 can recall the old-school days of one-week Masters played with five-set finals.
“I’ve not played too many matches so I’m fresh,” the 37-year-old said after his win in 62 minutes.
“I’m happy to play every day for as long as it takes.”
Cobolli was feeling his legs after two and a half hours on court Monday against three-time Grand Slam champion Wawrinka, with the youngster managing only six winners against 20 for Djokovic.
The veteran who achieved a career dream by winning Paris Olympic gold is now limiting his schedule and has played only two Tour matches since his Olympic success.
Djokovic broke four times as he moved into a fourth-round contest with Roman Safiullin, who beat Frances Tiafoe in a 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (5) comeback.
“I was pretty sharp from the beginning,” Djokovic said. “I had a clear game plan. stay- stay aggressive and use the short ball to take the initiative.
“I could tell he was exhausted from last night’s match. We’ve all been waiting two or three days to play and his win took a toll on him.
“But I knew what I needed to do and I’m glad about the performance.”
Djokovic is seeking his 100th career title, with the four-time local champion playing the event for the first time in five years.
He is making a 10th Shanghai appearance and leads the event with 36 match wins including 40 at the Masters 1000 level.
Main photo:- Novak Djokovic celebrates win in Shanghai – by ATP Tour.com
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