"This is why Novak Djokovic isn't the GOAT"; "Beyond joke" - Fans react to Serb reaching Shanghai Masters SF without facing a seeded player

Novak Djokovic is currently in action at the Shanghai Masters. The Serb has made it to the semifinals of the Masters 1000 without facing a single seeded player and fans recently shared their thoughts about his luck at the event.

Djokovic's initial path to the semifinals in Shanghai included potential clashes against several top ranked stars, with his half of the draw including the likes of Frances Tiafoe, Andrey Rublev, Flavio Cobolli, and Ben Shelton. However, many seeded players fell victim to the taxing conditions at the Qizhong Tennis Center.

In light of this, Novak Djokovic's path to the final four cleared up, with the 38-year-old disposing of Marin Cilic, Yannik Hanfman, Jaume Munar, and Zizou Bergs en route to the semifinals. Reacting to this, one fan on Reddit wrote,

“This is why Novak is not the goat, weak ass draws after weak ass draws! He vultures so many titles. He wouldn't have 24 slams if sinner and alcaraz arrived one year sooner! Fraudak!!”

Another fan expressed their disbelief over the 38-year-old's luck, writing,

“It is beyond a joke.”

Here is how other tennis enthusiasts reacted to Djokovic's path to the semifinals at the Shanghai Masters:

“Seriously what is this draw,” one fan wrote.

“Strong men create good times, and good times make weak men's tours,” another added.

“Excellent draw for a Challenger. Congrats to Novak,” a Reddit user commented.

“‘And now they're changing the court speed for Novak, everyone knows it’,” yet another fan chimed in.

Novak Djokovic to face World No.204 in Shanghai Masters semifinals

Djokovic at the 2025 Shanghai Rolex Masters (Image Source: Getty)

Novak Djokovic has enjoyed a strong run at the Shanghai Masters. For his opening round encounter, the Serb claimed a commanding victory over Marin Cilic. Up next, he ran into Yannik Hanfman, needing three sets to dispose of the German.

Djokovic was pushed to his limits again in his round of 16 encounter. In the midst of high humidity, the 38-year-old threw up on court and was visibly struggling, but managed to pull past Jaume Munar 6-3, 5-7, 6-2. In his quarterfinals encounter, the 24-time Grand Slam champion ousted Zizou Bergs in straight sets.

Now, Djokovic will run into World No.204 Valentine Vacherot for his semifinals encounter at the Shanghai Masters. Vacherot has enjoyed an incredible run at the ATP 1000 event so far, downing the likes of Holger Rune and Alexander Bublik.

This meeting will mark Novak Djokovic and Valentine Vacherot’s first time playing each other, but despite Vacherot's impressive performances over the past two weeks, the Serb remains a strong favorite for the win.