Most experts and insiders did not think that Novak Djokovic would participate in the 2025 edition of the Shanghai Rolex Masters, the penultimate Masters 1000 of the season, although he had reached the final in this tournament last year losing to former world number 1 Jannik Sinner in straight sets.
At the end of the US Open, the 38-year-old from Belgrade had only confirmed the Athens ATP 250 and the clues suggested that he would follow a schedule similar to that of 2025 also skipping the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. At this point in his career, Nole is no longer interested in ranking and his only goal is Grand Slam tournaments where he still has the ability to raise his level.
Djokovic will play in Shanghai
Djokovic became the oldest player ever to reach the semifinals in the four Major tournaments within the same season and deservedly occupies third place in the ATP Race, despite his schedule continuing to be very tight and he will turn 39 in 2026. The Serbian legend's intention is to continue competing for as long as possible and it is also for this reason that he decided to travel to China to try to win his fifth title in Shanghai, on a fast surface that suits his game well at this point in his career.
He will have a first-round bye and make his debut at the second round against French ace Corentin Moutet or Croatian veteran Marin Cilic, before facing Frances Tiafoe or Lorenzo Sonego. His opponent in the round of 16 should be Andrey Rublev, while Ben Shelton or Casper Ruud should contend for a place in the semifinals. The rematch of the 2024 final against Sinner could take place in the semifinals, with the current world number 2 trying to defend his title and confirm that he is dominant on the hard courts.
During the Shanghai Masters 1000, Novak is also likely to reveal whether or not he plans to play the ATP Finals in Turin. He had triumphed in Italy in 2022 and 2023, while he had been absent in the last edition wanting to recharge his batteries.
