Novak Djokovic will be among the stars of the Masters 1000 in Shanghai, having decided to return to China for the first time since 2019. The four-time winner of this tournament will try to get a good result and approach the Nitto ATP Finals, although they are no longer an objective at this point in his career.
The former world number 1 has not had an easy 2024, having not won even an ATP title until this moment. The 37-year-old from Belgrade can still be happy having won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, which were his main objective this season. The Serbian legend played an almost perfect Olympic tournament, in which she won without losing a set. His performance against Carlos Alcaraz in the final shocked the world, especially after the Spaniard had given him a hard lesson in the Wimbledon Championships only a few weeks earlier.
Next year will be crucial to understand the real ambitions of Nole, who will try to win the 25th title of the Grand Slam. His best chances are definitely at the Australian Open and Wimbledon Championships, while it will be more difficult to win on red clay in Paris and New York. To be ready for 2025, the 24-time Grand Slam champion may decide to close 2024 after the 'Six Kings Slam' in mid-October.
Nole apologizes
Djokovic has already arrived in China and has participated in some events in preparation for the Masters 1000 in Shanghai. The former world number 1 has avoided Alcaraz in his draw split and should get far if he plays a good tennis. The Serbian ace was expected by Chinese fans at the Shanghai airport, but they never saw the former World No.1.
Speaking with Sportal, Novak apologized to fans: I am so sorry we didnt meet at the airport. I was sad when I heard the news. I didnt know you were here. They took me to another exit. I hope to see many of you in Shanghai soon. I am very happy to be in China, especially thanks to you who have been following me for years. I love you, I love all of you.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion will try to win his fifth title in Shanghai, where he has not triumphed since 2018 (when he defeated Croatian Borna Coric in the final). The current world number 4 may still qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, but much will depend on how well he performs in China.
The secret of a legend
One of the reasons why Novak has been so long and won so many titles is surely his ability to prevail even when he could not express his best tennis. Top coach Patrick Mouratoglou - who has just started working with Naomi Osaka - has extolled this ability of the great champions: On your worst days, the mindset makes the champion. The difference between champions and the rest lies in their ability to win even when theyre playing their worst tennis.
They dont chase the feeling of playing greatthats a mistake most players make. Instead, they focus on whats in their control. My number one advice: stop focusing on yourself and your struggles. Shift your attention to the strategy needed to win points with the game you have today. The moment you well on your own problems, you lose focus on your opponent. Winning isnt about feeling good its about staying tactical and precise with what you have at the moment.
Second, the way you talk to yourself, your body language and attitude are everything. The way you carry yourself comes directly from your internal dialogue. Champions find ways to talk to themselves in a way that fuels positive body language, which keeps their mindset sharp and focused. By mastering these two thingsstrategy and inner talkthey rise above the bad days and find ways to win. Control what you can, and let go of what you cant. Thats how champions prevail, no matter how they feel on the court.
Despite being 37, Nole is still one of the best players in the world and has expressed his intention to continue playing for a long time. The former world number 1 has even put the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in his sights, when he turns 41. Djokovic has shocked the world many times during his long career, but in 2024 we started to see the first signs of decline.The Serbian ace struggled to find the right energy in the second-tier tournaments and suffered from the rise of two young champions like Alcaraz and Sinner.
