Novak Djokovic makes a triumphant return to Shanghai | ATP Tour

Shanghai

Djokovic makes a triumphant return to Shanghai

Djokovic has won the tournament four times.

October 05, 2024

Novak Djokovic returned to the Rolex Shanghai Masters five years later and the emotions couldn’t have been stronger. Under maximum anticipation at the Qizhong Stadium, the Balkan player took a real mass bath at night to restore some of the sensations stored in his memory. At the biggest ATP Tour event on Chinese soil, the message was memorable: no one had won in Shanghai with the Serbian’s strength.

The four-time champion faced a real test of strength when he defeated American Alex Michelsen 7-6(3), 7-6(9) in a match that was close to the final set. The Serbian needed to activate all five senses to emerge unscathed from a nail-biting contest in which he saved two dangerous sets in a tiebreaker. After recovering from 0-3 down in the first set, Djokovic fought off two set points in the second before winning.

Clenching his fists into the Shanghai sky, Djokovic celebrated his absolute warm-up. Since being surprised by Alexei Popyrin in the third round of the US Open, the Belgrade man has played just two singles matches at the tournament. Poor competition added to the difficulties inherent in a fight unprecedented in his career.

“It was the first game against Alex, and I hadn’t played for a long time, so it was difficult for me to find a rhythm”; said Djokovic, who this week is seeking the 100th title of his sporting career. “It started off incredible, with great serves and a very aggressive style. He’s not afraid to come forward and look for his opponent.”

“It was a very tight match and I think the tennis was of a high level in both sets. “I’m glad I stayed calm during the most important moments of the second set tiebreak.”

Landing in Shanghai is an opportunity for Djokovic to continue his legacy in the ATP Masters 1000. The Balkan player, who has a 35-5 record at the Chinese tournament, holds the all-time record for most crowns (40) in the gold category. ATP Tour and is hoping for his first win at this level in the 2024 season.

After a day marked by rain that forced the suspension of outdoor court activity, Djokovic will have to wait to face his next opponent in Shanghai. The Balkans will play the third round of the tournament against the winner of the bout, which pits 28th seed Flavio Cobolli against former world number three Stan Wawrinka.

Djokovic enters this week’s competition with an opportunity to strengthen his candidacy for the Nitto ATP Finals. With his victory this Saturday, the Balkan overtook Alex de Minaur into eighth place in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, professionally securing a direct access spot to the season finale. Novak is the overall champion of the tournament with seven individual titles.

At just 20 years old, Michelsen continues to establish himself among the young talent in the locker room. Currently ranked second in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah, the American has secured a strong chance in the Asian round of qualifying for the Next Generation ATP Finals, which will take place from December 18 to 22 in Saudi Arabia.

Did you know this…?
Novak Djokovic is the most successful player in the history of the Rolex Shanghai Masters, with four individual titles. The Serbian, winner of the 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2018 tournaments, is also the only active player with multiple Asian ATP Masters 1000 titles under his belt.