Tennis

Hubert Hurkacz stuns Novak Djokovic in Shanghai Masters second round

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 9, 2026, 20:53 IST

Defending champion Hubert Hurkacz eliminated Novak Djokovic from the Shanghai Masters, securing a straight-sets victory just days after the Serbian star claimed the title in Beijing.

Hubert Hurkacz stuns Novak Djokovic in Shanghai Masters second round

Novak Djokovic’s campaign at the Shanghai Masters came to an abrupt end on Friday as he suffered a surprise second-round defeat at the hands of Hubert Hurkacz. The 24-time major champion, who arrived in Shanghai fresh off a tournament victory in Beijing, was unable to find his rhythm against the defending champion, falling 6-4, 6-3 in a contest that lasted only 87 minutes.

The match turned on fine margins, with Djokovic struggling to counter the serving prowess of his opponent. The Serbian acknowledged the difficulty of the task, noting that losing serve once in each set proved to be the decisive factor in the outcome. He admitted that he failed to adjust to the pace and precision of the Hurkacz serve, describing the encounter as a particularly challenging opening draw.

A difficult turnaround for the Serbian star

Reflecting on his performance, Djokovic remained philosophical about the early exit. While he expressed disappointment in the result, he highlighted the success he enjoyed in Beijing earlier in the week. The veteran player indicated that he now plans to take a period of rest before shifting his focus to the upcoming indoor season.

For Hurkacz, the victory marked a significant moment in his tournament defense. The Polish player expressed his admiration for his opponent, acknowledging the difficulty of facing a player who had just secured a title in Beijing. He described the experience of sharing the court with the tennis legend as a pleasure and noted the special nature of the evening as he moved forward in the competition.