Novak Djokovic was delighted to reach the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters but admitted he was "just trying to stay alive" during a testing match.

Djokovic triumphed 6-3 7-5 against Zizou Bergs on Thursday, booking his place in his 80th ATP Masters 1000 semi-final.

At 38 years and 133 days old, the Serb has broken his own record for the oldest player to reach the final four at such events, which he set at the Miami Open earlier this year.

It will also be his 10th semi-final in Shanghai, only reaching more at the Italian Open (13), and he will face Valentin Vacherot for a place in the showpiece match.

However, he revealed after the match that he was struggling with an ankle injury, as well as the humidity, making the quarter-final victory that much tougher to earn.

"Pretty much everything [was difficult], just trying to stay alive to be honest on the court," Djokovic said.

"[It was my] first encounter with Bergs, [he is a] great guy, obviously a lot of firepower in his game. At times, I just tried to play an extra ball in the court and make him miss the ball. That is what happened.

"I should have closed out the match at 5-4. He played a good game, and again I was a little too passive.

"It is very challenging conditions these few weeks for all the players, and just trying to stay alive on the court, and glad to overcome this hurdle."

Records are made to be broken @DjokerNole defeats Bergs 6-3 7-5 to reach his 80th ATP Masters 1000 semi-final.@SH_RolexMasters | #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/FJSIVcf2Zh

— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 9, 2025

Vacherot has overcome Alexander Bublik, Tallon Griekspoor and 10th seed Holger Rune to reach the semi-finals, as well as advancing past Tomas Machac, who retired through injury during their contest.

Djokovic was previously coached by Vacherot's coach, Bengamin Balleret, and he is delighted to see his Monegasque counterpart performing so well.

"[It's] great for Monegasque tennis, we have one of the biggest tournaments on our tour in Monaco obviously, and I am really glad for him and Benjamin Balleret, his coach," Djokovic said.

"I have known for many years and trained with him while being based in Monaco over the last 15 years, so [it's an] amazing story for him.

"This tournament, he has taken out top players in the world. I don't know how many [in the] top 10, top 15 he has taken out, but it is really impressive what he is doing, so we are both going to have a day off and hopefully good semi-finals."