Novak Djokovic certainly missed a huge chance at the Shanghai Rolex Masters last week, but a deluxe version of Valentin Vacherot halted his run in the semifinals. The former world No. 1 who dreamed of clinching his 41st Masters 1000 and his 101st career title had become the big favorite due to the absence of Carlos Alcaraz and the premature elimination of Jannik Sinner in the penultimate Masters 1000 of the season, but the Monegasque player and a physical problem ruined his plans.
The Serbian legend has only lifted one trophy this season, but he has been very consistent especially in Grand Slam tournaments and it is for this reason that he currently occupies the third position in the ATP Race. The 38-year-old from Belgrade has not made a decision regarding his participation in the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin yet, as the Majors have become his only goals at this stage of his legendary career.
Nole has only won one title in 2025
Many fans and insiders were speechless because of the loss suffered by Nole against world number 204 Valentin Vacherot in Shanghai, but the 24-time Grand Slam champion was not at the top of his shape and is certainly more vulnerable at 38 years old.
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On the latest edition of his podcast, tennis legend Rennae Stubbs took a detailed look at what makes Novak less dangerous than he was a few years ago: Nole just doesnt look like he has enough on the ball anymore against some of these players. He is the greatest of all time. He has all the records.
But at some point, Father Time catches up with you and it looks like he does not have quite enough on the ball, he is not imposing himself as much, he is not serving as well as he used to, when he won a lot of these tournaments and matches. And at some point it catches up with you. You just wonder how long is he going to do this for.
