Novak Djokovic has returned to the Shanghai Masters in 2024, a tournament where he has historically excelled, with four titles already to his name. This marks his first appearance in Shanghai since 2019, as the event was not held for three years. Djokovic, currently ranked world No. 4, skipped the 2023 edition, but now aims to secure his 100th ATP title, adding to his remarkable legacy.
Djokovic’s track record in Shanghai is unparalleled. Since the tournament’s inception in 2009, he has reached four finals and won every one of them. His first title came in 2012, and he successfully defended it in 2013. He reclaimed the trophy in 2015 and secured a fourth victory in 2018. His four wins set him apart, making him the player with the most titles in the tournament’s history. Djokovic shares the record for most finals with Andy Murray, who reached four as well, winning three of them.
One of Djokovic’s most memorable Shanghai moments came in 2012 when he triumphed over Murray in a dramatic final, saving five championship points before winning 5-7, 7-6(11), 6-3. This match stands as the longest final in the tournament’s history by games played. Djokovic and Murray also share the distinction of being the only players to win consecutive Shanghai titles—Murray in 2010 and 2011, and Djokovic in 2012 and 2013. With 2023 champion Hubert Hurkacz out due to injury, their shared record remains intact for at least another year.
Djokovic’s dominance in Shanghai is further demonstrated by his remarkable match statistics. No player has spent more time on the courts of this Masters 1000 event, and his tally of 39 matches played is unmatched. With 34 victories and only five losses, Djokovic boasts an 88.9% win percentage at the tournament—yet another record to his name. His only defeats came against formidable opponents like Roger Federer (twice), Nikolay Davydenko, Roberto Bautista Agut, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Notably, his 2019 loss to Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals was the only time he failed to reach at least the semi-final stage.
Djokovic’s longest winning streak at the event saw him claim 13 consecutive matches, stretching from his 2012 title run through to the 2014 semi-finals, where Federer ended his dominance. This streak, along with his other Shanghai achievements, is a testament to his unparalleled mastery at the tournament.
In 2024, Djokovic stands on the brink of setting even more records. A fifth title would not only extend his lead in terms of tournament victories and finals appearances but also make him the oldest champion in Shanghai Masters history. Roger Federer currently holds that title, having won in 2017 at 36 years old. Djokovic, who turned 37 in May, would surpass that by a considerable margin with a victory this year.
As Djokovic looks to close out his 2024 season on a high, his scheduling decisions reflect his drive for another historic triumph. Should he lift the trophy in Shanghai next weekend, his legacy at this event will be even further cemented in tennis history.
