Despite playing a great tournament, Novak Djokovic failed to win the Masters 1000 in Shanghai for the fifth time. The former world number 1 has been brilliant over the last ten days and played good tennis, although he had some problems with both knees. The Serbian champion hoped to win his first title in 2024 and lift the 100th trophy of his legendary career, but he could not do anything against a great Jannik Sinner in the final. The Italian ace defeated him for the third time in a row, proving to be superior at this moment thanks to the 14 years of difference.
The first set made a difference, with Novaks serve coming right into the tiebreak allowing Jannik to gain a decisive lead. The 24-time Grand Slam champions level dropped in the second set and a single break made the difference in favor of the current world number 1. The 37-year-old from Belgrade can be satisfied with his tournament despite losing in the final. Nole played well after the premature elimination at the US Open and came close to qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin (where he had won last year beating Sinner in the final).
Nole wants the 100th title
The feeling is that a 70-80% version of Djokovic is not enough to defeat two young champions like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. For this reason, it will be very difficult to win another Grand Slam title at 37. The Serbian legend will try to achieve this feat in 2025, focusing mainly on the Australian Open and the Wimbledon Championships.
"My main motivation comes from the love and passion for this sport, along with the desire to keep competing. These are the types of matches and challenges I strive for, to be able to play against the best in the world on the biggest stages. That's why I work and that's why I still push myself to the limit. I don't know what the future holds, I will try to go with the flow and see where I stand at a given moment. I still plan to compete and play next season, we'll see how far I can go Nole said in the press conference.
The former World No.1 reflected on his season: "If we compare it to most of my seasons, in terms of results, this has been one of the worst. However, at some point, a year had to come when I wouldn't win Slams or maintain that high level after so many consecutive years. And that's okay, I'm happy with my gold medal at the Olympics, that was my main goal this year. Of course, I wish I had won a Grand Slam, but it's okay, it is what it is. It's one of those seasons you have to accept, and I am more than happy with everything I have achieved in my career."
Next stop Saudi Arabia
After the Masters 1000 in Shanghai, Djokovic will fly to Saudi Arabia to participate in the prestigious 'Six Kings Slam' along with other champions such as Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner, Carlitos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Holger Rune. The Serbian will make his debut in the semi-finals against the winner of the match between Sinner and Medvedev. Novaks schedule after the 'Six Kings Slam' is uncertain at the moment, although Nole appears on the entry list of the Masters 1000 in Paris-Bercy.
Djokovic wants to win his 100th title: "It's a bonus, of course, if it can happen. I wish it had happened today, but it couldn't be.I will keep giving my all so that it can happen soon; it's not a life or death goal, I believe I have already achieved all my major goals in my career. Right now, the most important thing is the Grand Slams and seeing how high I can raise my personal bar. As long as I keep playing as I did this week, and I still believe I can go toe-to-toe with the best, as long as that keeps happening, I imagine I will continue to feel the need to compete and the motivation to be out there. We'll see how long that lasts."
The 24-time Grand Slam champion has not won a single Major title this year, something that hasnt happened since 2017 when he suffered a serious elbow injury. During this season, Novak was also forced to undergo knee surgery due to an injury sustained at the French Open. The 37-year-old from Belgrade still wears his knee brace and has felt some discomfort during this week. Next year will give many answers about the future of Nole.
