Fresh off his 102nd tour-level title in Beijing, Novak Djokovic heads to Shanghai aiming to extend his surge in form. The Serbian captured his first trophy of the season at the ATP 500 event on Tuesday, sealing a record seventh crown in the Chinese capital after a standout run that included a quarterfinal win over Alexander Zverev.
Djokovic’s Dominance at the Shanghai Masters
Two days later, the 39-year-old turns to the Shanghai Masters, where he has been a dominant force in the past. Djokovic is a record four-time champion at the Masters 1000 tournament and first competed in its inaugural edition in 2009. His ties to the city go back further: he first came to Shanghai for the season-ending event in 2007 and won that title in 2008.
Djokovic is seeking to ride the confidence from Beijing and deliver another deep run in China, a place where he has long felt strong backing from fans. He has also praised the event’s organisation in Shanghai, noting the tournament’s consistent efforts to raise standards for players and teams.
Away from his own campaign, Djokovic acknowledged Kei Nishikori’s retirement last week in Tokyo, saluting a career marked by elite shot-making and speed. He noted that injuries often hampered the Japanese star, who at his best was a top-five talent, and said a home farewell was a fitting end.
The road in Shanghai will be demanding from the start. Djokovic opens against 2023 champion Hubert Hurkacz as he chases valuable points in the race to the Nitto ATP Finals. He currently sits ninth in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin and, with Jannik Sinner ending his season due to a knee injury, effectively holds the final qualification position.
As Djokovic prepares for this crucial tournament, fans worldwide are eager to see if he can continue his impressive form and add another title to his illustrious career. With his remarkable skills and experience, many believe that the Shanghai Masters could be another stepping stone in his path toward greatness.