ATP Tour

Djokovic gives schedule update following Shanghai exit

Novak Djokovic may have gone all the way at the China Open in Beijing, but his stay in Shanghai was cut short early on Friday by Hubert Hurkacz.

The Serbian, who lifted his 102nd tour-level trophy in Beijing on Tuesday night, could not find that same rhythm in his opening match in Shanghai. Afterwards, the 39-year-old reflected on his past week.

“Beijing was great and a very early exit here but it is ok,” Djokovic said following his straight-sets defeat to Hurkacz. “I had a great week in Beijing and I look forward to resting a little bit and get ready for the indoors.”

The record four-time Shanghai champion Djokovic also praised Hurkacz, who is competing in Shanghai for the first time since he won the title in 2023.

“If you lose your serve, it is enough to lose the match, once per set, and that is what happened,” Djokovic said. “It is very difficult to return his serve, almost impossible. So yeah, I did not adjust and it was a really tough draw for me, playing him in the first match.”

Djokovic finished by giving an update on his upcoming schedule as the season enters the final month.

“I would like to [play the Nitto ATP Finals]. I am planning on only playing in Paris, so let’s see," Djokovic said. "Hopefully I can have a good result there.”

Djokovic is 19-7 on the season, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. Alongside his Beijing title, the Serbian also reached the final at the Australian Open in February, defeating Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.