Novak Djokovic makes alarming health confession before Shanghai semi-finals

Novak Djokovic has advanced to the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters, though the path hasn't been smooth for the Serbian tennis star. At 38 years old, Djokovic has battled physical challenges in nearly every outing.

He's vomited on court multiple times, crumpled to the ground following one grueling rally that cost him the second set in his fourth-round encounter, and required physiotherapy treatment on several occasions. Yet he remains in contention for the final four.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Thursday brought a more manageable day for the No. 4 seed as he defeated Zizou Bergs in straight sets, leaving Sky Sports announcers mind-blown along the way, though it represented another demanding contest for Djokovic, who has now raised significant alarm by stating that something was "happening with the body" in every match he's contested.

Seattle Mariners face backlash for breaking unwritten rule during ALDS Game 4

Shane van Gisbergen makes confession to Dale Earnhardt Jr after Kyle Larson battle

Djokovic stands just two victories away from capturing his first Masters 1000 crown in nearly two years and is arguably the frontrunner to claim the championship. He's one of two former titlists and one of two top-10 competitors remaining in the field.

However, he's also the eldest player in the draw by a considerable margin, and this has been evident at times during play. Djokovic underwent treatment for what appeared to be an Achilles problem in Tuesday's fourth round.

While his leg felt sound in the quarterfinals, he acknowledged confronting numerous "issues" practically every day. After defeating Bergs 6-3, 7-5, the Serbian legend declared: "I assure you it wasn't easy. No win is easy at this level. Zizou Bergs has been playing some terrific tennis this tournament.

"I think it would be disrespectful towards him to say it was easy. It was a tough-earned victory in two sets. My leg was good. There's always something happening with the body pretty much every match that I play right now. There's some other issues that I'm trying to address day by day, and hopefully it's going to get better as the tournament progresses.

"I have a day off to my semi-final, so that's really good. Yeah, I'm going to come back with, of course, the right attitude and intention to win." Djokovic is already aware of his Saturday semi-final opponent - world No. 204 Valentin Vacherot, who battled through qualifying to secure his spot in the main draw.

He's now reached his first-ever Masters 1000 semi-final and is already assured of breaking into the top 100. Vacherot and his sibling Benjamin Balleret, who doubles as his coach, are both natives of Monaco. Having previously lived in Monte Carlo, Djokovic is well-acquainted with both men.

DON'T MISS...

Joe Rogan doubles down on Donald Trump assassination conspiracy theory

Donald Trump's Ryder Cup plans will give organizers a sigh of relief

Viktor Hovland offers telling verdict on Donald Trump golf brag

"I've known him for last couple of years. Obviously he's ranked before this tournament 200-plus," the 24-time Major champion revealed. "He's been around. He's playing for Monaco, which is a really great success, the biggest historical success for Monaco. It's amazing. So everyone is excited there. We know we have one of the nicest and biggest tournaments in our sport there in Monaco.

"So I'm glad for him, for his team. Benjamin Balleret is someone I've known for many years from Monaco, because being based there for 15 years, training at the Monte-Carlo Country Club.

"He's been improving a lot. We always knew that he's got a great potential, with a big serve, a big game, he's a big guy."

Click here to read article