Novak Djokovic isn’t just showing up in Shanghai—he’s arriving with guns blazing. The Serbian titan, not currently playing his peak tennis, has made it crystal clear: he’s here to win.
“Any match, against anybody, anywhere, I want to win,” Djokovic proclaimed, sending a stark warning to the competition at the ATP Masters 1000 event.
Sure, his recent form hasn’t been headline-grabbing. An early exit at the US Open had critics buzzing, but Djokovic silenced the doubters with a solid opening win against the relentless American youngster, Alex Michelsen. It wasn’t his most dazzling performance, but it was enough to showcase his unyielding will to triumph.
After a five-year hiatus from Shanghai, Djokovic is back—and he’s feeding off the electrifying energy of his Chinese fans. “I haven’t been here for five years, and that brings me extra motivation,” he confessed. “The love and support I’ve been getting is just remarkable.”
With four Shanghai titles already under his belt, he’s gunning for a fifth to cement his legacy as the tournament’s most dominant force. “People expect me always to win. I’m used to that by now,” he said with the confidence of a seasoned champion.
The adoration from the Chinese crowd isn’t lost on him. “I’ve been coming to China for so many years, but I’ve never experienced this level of support,” Djokovic marveled. “China loves tennis, and being part of a big event like the Shanghai Masters is amazing.”
Make no mistake: Novak Djokovic is on a mission. He’s not just playing matches; he’s chasing history. And if his words are any indication, he’s not planning on leaving Shanghai without that trophy in hand.