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Novak Djokovic breaks another Roger Federer record following latest Shanghai Masters victory

Originally posted on HITC | By Max Kilham | Last updated Oct 7, 2025 1:20 PM ET

Novak Djokovic pulled off another remarkable display of resilience to defeat Jaume Munar in the Shanghai Masters round of 16.

After dropping the second set, Djokovic collapsed to the court in exhaustion, visibly struggling with both the pace of play and the humid conditions.

Even so, he found a way through, eventually pulling away in the third set for a 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 win.

The world No. 1 could have been forgiven for calling it a day. But once again, he showed exactly why he’s one of tennis’s toughest competitors by grinding out another victory.

There may have been extra motivation as well. With that win over Munar, Djokovic surpassed Roger Federer for yet another impressive record.

Djokovic breaks Masters 1000 quarter-finalist age record

Now aged 38 years and four months, Djokovic has become the oldest player ever to reach a Masters 1000 quarter-final, surpassing Roger Federer’s previous mark.

Federer set that record at the Shanghai Masters in 2019 when he was 38 years and two months old. He made it to the quarters after beating Albert Ramos Vinolas and David Goffin, before falling to Alexander Zverev.

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Djokovic also equalled a record held by Rafael Nadal and could break his own mark if he advances to the semi-finals in Shanghai. Back in March, he became the oldest semi-finalist at a Masters event at 37 years and 10 months.

If Djokovic manages to win in Shanghai, he would take another record from Federer. The Swiss great is still the oldest player to lift a Masters 1000 trophy, having won Miami in 2019 at the age of 37 years and 235 days.

Djokovic shows his resilience against Munar

Novak Djokovic’s serving was a real positive during his contest against Jaume Munar. Sofascore data shows that Djokovic landed 69 per cent of his first serves, winning 76 per cent of those points. He also won 62 per cent of his second serve points.

Munar’s numbers were also impressive. He won an unusual 70 per cent of points on his second serve, which was actually higher than what he managed on his first.

The main difference came down to break points. Djokovic created more chances and converted three out of eight opportunities, while Munar managed just one from two.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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