Shanghai Masters: Novak Djokovic overtakes Flavio Cobolli in ATP event

Novak Djokovic continued his quest for his 100th career title by defeating Italian youngster Flavio Cobolli to reach the round of 16 of the Shanghai Masters.

The 37-year-old Serb was sharp and determined in a 6-1, 6-2 victory that lasted just over an hour.

Cobolli, who idolized the 24-time Grand Slam champion as a child, couldn't cope with Djokovic's ability to anticipate rallies and rarely miss a return.

In addition to his unerring precision with clean groundstrokes from the baseline, Djokovic's high level ensured that he only conceded seven points on serve.

Next, the world number four will face Russian Roman Safiullin for a place in the quarter-finals.

Djokovic wants to become only the third man after Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) to record a century of tournament victories.

In his first return to Shanghai since 2019, Djokovic admitted the prospect of winning a breakthrough title at the ATP 1000 event gave him “additional motivation”.

Djokovic has reduced his schedule as he prioritizes the biggest events, and this year he has played the second-fewest number of matches in a single season since 2005.

The way he overwhelmed the 22-year-old Cobolli, ranked 30th in the world after an impressive breakthrough season, was a reminder of the threat he poses.

Shortly after Djokovic clinched the win, Safiullin served to win a final set tiebreaker against 13th-seeded American Frances Tiafoe.

Tiafoe reacted angrily at referee Jimmy Pinoargote after losing 5-7, 7-5, 7-6 (7-5), firing a barrage of expletives towards the Ecuadorian referee.