Shanghai
Djokovic makes a big comeback in Shanghai
Djokovic has won the tournament four times
October 5, 2024
AFP/Getty Images
According to ATP Editorial in Spanish
Novak Djokovic returned five years later to the Rolex Shanghai Masters and the emotions could not have been more intense. Under the maximum expectation at the Qizhong Stadium, the Balkan player took a real mass bath during the night to recover some emotions that were in his memory. In the biggest ATP Tour event on Chinese soil, a message was remembered: no one has won in Shanghai with the strength of Serbia.
The four-time champion had to go through a determined test, defeating American Alex Michelsen 7-6(3), 7-6(9) in a match that was close to the last set. The Serbian had to activate all five senses to emerge unscathed from a tight duel, where he saved two dangerous sets in the tiebreaker. After recovering from 0-3 down in the first set, Djokovic saved two set points in the second before taking the win.
With his fists connected to the Shanghai sky, Djokovic had a full warm-up celebration. Since being stunned by Alexei Popyrin in the third round of the US Open, the Belgrade native has only played two singles matches on the circuit. A low competition load added to the difficulties of a duel that had never been seen before in his career.
“It was the first match against Alex and I haven’t competed for a while, so it was difficult for me to find the rhythm”; said Djokovic, who is seeking the 100th title of his sporting career this week. “He has started in an incredible way, with a great serve and a very aggressive style. He’s not afraid to go ahead and look for his opponent.”
“It was a very tough match and I think a high level of tennis in both sets. “I’m glad I stayed calm in the most important moments during the second set break.”
Landing in Shanghai is an opportunity for Djokovic to build on his legacy in the ATP Masters 1000 events, where he has amassed a record of 35-5 in the Chinese tournament, holding the historic record for most crowns (40) in the gold category. the ATP Tour and is looking for his first win at this level of the 2024 season.
After a day marked by rain, which forced the outdoor courts to be suspended, Djokovic will have to wait to meet his next rival in Shanghai. The Balkans will play the third round of the tournament against the winner of the duel that will set the seed No. 28 Flavio Cobolli against former world No. 3 Stan Wawrinka.
Djokovic will compete this week with options to strengthen his candidacy for the Nitto ATP Finals. Thanks to his victory this Saturday, the Balkans surpassed Alex de Minaur in No. 8 of the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, professionally occupying a direct access place to the final event of the season. Novak is the tournament’s all-time champion with seven individual titles.
At 20 years of age, Michelsen continues to consolidate his figure among the young talent in the locker room. Currently installed at No. 2 in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah, the American has secured a great chance on the Asian tour to qualify for the Next Gen ATP Finals, which will take place from December 18 to 22 in Saudi Arabia.
Did you know that…?
Novak Djokovic is the most successful player in the history of the Rolex Shanghai Masters with four individual titles. The Serbian, winner of the 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2018 editions, is also the only active player with multiple ATP Asian Masters 1000 crowns under his belt.