Hubert Hurkacz knocked Novak Djokovic out of the Shanghai Masters 1000 on Friday, October 9. The Pole completed a 6–4, 6–3 second-round victory in 87 minutes to secure his place in the last 32.
It ended a run of eight defeats in their head-to-head series. Shanghai's 2023 champion returned to the tournament this year and has now won eight consecutive matches across his appearances at the event.
Holding serve throughout
Hurkacz struck 13 aces and won 36 of 44 points behind his first serve, an 82% success rate. He saved both break points he faced and converted two of his five opportunities on return. Djokovic hit two aces.
Holding through those two break points in the third game kept Hurkacz from falling behind early. He then maintained pressure with his serve and baseline play, finishing the match without conceding a service game.
Contrasting outcomes after Beijing
Hurkacz had beaten James Duckworth in his Shanghai opener. His China swing already included the Chengdu final and a Beijing semifinal, where an adductor problem forced him to retire against Alex de Minaur.
Djokovic arrived as the Beijing champion, having claimed his 102nd tour-level title and first trophy of the season on Tuesday. The four-time Shanghai champion nevertheless ended his campaign in his opening match.
Hurkacz will next face the winner of Lorenzo Musetti's match against Chinese wild card Zhou Yi in the third round.
