Most fans and analysts were quite surprised when Novak Djokovic announced his participation in the Shanghai Masters 1000, as he had only confirmed the Athens ATP 250 during his last press conference at the US Open.
The Serbian veteran has realized that he needs to play more tournaments if he wants to get closer to the level of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who are monopolizing men's tennis and have proven to be too strong for him in Grand Slam events right now.
The 38-year-old from Belgrade who still occupies third place in the ATP Race despite a very tight schedule is convinced that he has more chances against them in best-of-three sets matches and wants to write new pages of tennis history.
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Djokovic will face Hanfmann
Nole began his run in Shanghai by beating Croatian veteran Marin Cilic in straight sets yesterday, in a clash that was conditioned by extreme humidity. The 24-time Grand Slam champion used all his experience to overcome difficulties and enter the third round, where he will face German player Yannick Hanfmann.
The Shanghai tournament has conditions befitting Novak's game, who triumphed in the penultimate Masters 1000 of the season on four occasions and also reached the final last year. However, the courts are slower in this edition and several players have already complained.
On the latest edition of the 'Nothing Major' podcast, former American champion John Isner explained why Djokovic changed his mind about his presence in Shanghai: I think he is playing this because, you know, hes obviously taken a lot of time off this year. He clearly wants to play next year. If he wasnt planning on playing a similar type of schedule he played this year next year, he would not be playing Shanghai. I think too much time off for him would be a big detriment.
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Long John continued: It will be interesting to see what he does after Shanghai. Last year, he decided not to play Turin, did not play Paris either or anything in the fall, I believe. I think I said last year we would see him in Turin. We didnt, but well see. I think if this is his last tournament of the year, then like, okay, he wants to end it on somewhat of a high note with some good matches, then get ready and prepare for the Australian Open.
