Novak Djokovic arrived in Shanghai with a renewed sense of balance between ambition and gratitude. The 24-time Major winner lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open semi-final and flew to Athens.
Novak mixed up his family time time practice sessions and decided to enter the Shanghai Masters. The legend reflected on a demanding 2025 season, one in which the competition from Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner reached hew heights.
Despite acknowledging how challenging it has become to keep up with them at Majors, the 38-year-old remains proud of his consistency. In addition, Novak is not affraid of facing Jannik Sinner in Shanghai!
The Serb reached all four Major semi-finals this season, highlighting his everlasting consistency and the ability to beat almost anyone two decades after debuting on the most notable scene.
At his age and after achieving everything, Djokovic's priorities have subtly evolved. No longer driven solely by trophies, the 100-time ATP champion now seeks energy from the crowd and satisfaction in contributing to the sport he has defined for over two decades.
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Novak mentioned the joy of competition, the value of connection and the importance of leaving a positive legacy for future generations.After all, his acts and efforts speak for themselves!
The competitive flame still burns strong in the 24-time Major winner. Thus, Djokovic admitted he would love to meet Jannik Sinner in Shanghai despite losing the previous five matches against the Italian.
The Serb sees a potential duel with the four-time Major champion as both a test and a sign of progress. The encounter could happen in the semi-final, which would confirm Novak's strong form.
They met in last year's Shanghai Masters final, with Sinner earning a 7-6, 6-3 victory after a single break of serve.
"Besides my losses to Jannik and Carlos, I have played good tennis in 2025. I reached all four Major semi-finals, which highlights my consistency. I'm a very competitive person and have experienced the utmost in this sport, so I want more. I do not get discouraged.
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At this point in my career, I do not play for trophies but to receive the love of the fans and contribute to the global growth of tennis. It gives me goosebumps to step onto the court and hear the crowd chanting my name.
I would love to face Jannik in Shanghai, because that would mean I'm in the semi-final," Novak Djokovic said.
