ATP Tour

Djokovic hungry for more in Shanghai following 'phenomenal' Beijing week

Novak Djokovic reminded the world of what he can still produce in Beijing, where the Serbian captured his 102nd tour-level title and his first trophy of the season at the ATP 500 event on Tuesday night.

Djokovic was close to his best at times in the Chinese capital, highlighted by his quarter-final victory against Alexander Zverev en route to his record seventh title at the event. Two days on from his triumph, the Serbian is now looking to carry that momentum into the Rolex Shanghai Masters.

“It was a phenomenal week for me, Beijing, the best week of this year, no doubt,” Djokovic said in his pre-tournament press conference in Shanghai. “I'm trying to build momentum on that here in Shanghai as well, use the confidence and hopefully have another great deep run in this tournament, another tournament in China where I've done very well in my career.

“I enjoy playing in China. I've said it many times, the fans, the support has been tremendous. Last week it was really something remarkable, very special in terms of the support and love that I've been getting from people on the stadium and outside. So, that kind of energy that I really always need as a player on the court, I try to use and perform as best as I can.”

Djokovic has performed impressively in Shanghai in the past, lifting the trophy on a record four occasions. The 39-year-old competed in the first edition of the event in 2009, and over the years has built plenty of memories in China, both through his own success and alongside some of the players who have helped shape the tournament's history.

One of those players is Kei Nishikori, who brought his professional career to a close in front of his home fans last week in Tokyo.

Djokovic was quick to pay tribute to 2011 Shanghai semi-finalist Nishikori, who has been a familiar presence on the ATP Tour throughout the Serbian's career.

“I would like to use another opportunity to congratulate Kei for his outstanding career, a lot to be proud of,” Djokovic said. “He, unfortunately, was injured quite a lot and struggled throughout his career to keep fit. I think this probably might be the only regret that he has, that he wasn't able to maybe stay healthier longer.

“Because he was, when he was playing his best tennis, he was a top-5 player. Incredibly quick, so talented, the striking and timing of his shots was exceptional. Of course, him retiring in his country, in front of his people, is something that I think every player really dreams of, so I'm sure that he enjoyed his farewell there.”

Djokovic also took time to praise the facilities and leadership of the hard-court Masters 1000 event in Shanghai.

“I remember back in 2007 was the first time I arrived to Shanghai, or to China, for that matter, for the Masters Cup here," Djokovic said. "They had it in 2007, and 2008 was the last year. I won it in the 2008. And then 2009, the Rolex Masters 1000 Shanghai tournament started, and ever since then it's been ongoing every year. It's definitely one of the favourite tournaments for many players, including myself, on the Tour.

“There's always a willingness and somewhat of a need and a challenge for the organisers to meet the demands of players and their respective teams. To make sure that every year there's some kind of improvement. Something even better than the last year, where the players are able to feel like at home, at the end of the day, and have everything they need to perform as best as they can.”

Djokovic faces a tough draw in Shanghai, with 2023 champion Hubert Hurkacz his opening opponent. Djokovic is aiming for a deep run at the hard-court event to further boost his Nitto ATP Finals qualification chances. The Serbian talked about his desire to compete in Turin last week and is currently ninth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin and effectively in the final qualification spot, after Jannik Sinner ended his season earlier this week due to a knee injury.