Novak Djokovic makes China return, welcomes new fashion | ATP Tour

Shanghai

Djokovic brings China back and welcomes new fashion

The Serb is aiming for his 100th tour title

October 2, 2024

Novak Djokovic is back on Chinese soil.

It's not only a treat for the enthusiastic local fans, but also for four-time Rolex Shanghai Masters champion Djokovic.

“I wanted to play in China… I said, 'Okay, I have to play the tournament in Shanghai, it's the biggest event in China and one of the great 1000 events we have on the tour'. I missed being in China,” Djokovic told ATP Media.

“It's been a while, five years. A lot has happened for me and my career in these five years, so I was looking forward to experiencing the love, energy and support I have received from Chinese fans over the years.”

Making his tenth appearance in Shanghai, the 37-year-old has long enjoyed the warm support of Chinese fans around the world. Now Djokovic is competing in her backyard for the first time since 2019.

“I've met some of them on tour over the last few years and they kind of asked me, 'You have to come back to China and play!' That’s why I’m glad I’m here, I really am,” Djokovic said. “It is one of the most spectacular events. The stadium is simply incredible, one of the most beautiful we have in our sport on tour.”

Djokovic has the most wins (34) and titles (2012-13, 2015, 2018) in the history of the Shanghai tournament. Like almost every time Djokovic takes the court, the world No. 4 is chasing a milestone in the PIF ATP rankings this week.

The fourth seed will attempt to become the third man in the Open era to win 100 tour titles and break his tie with Roger Federer for most hardcourt titles (71).

With a tournament record of 34:5, Djokovic will open his title hunt against home favorite Buyunchaokete or #NextGenATP Alex Michelsen.

“I had a lot of success here and in Beijing and won a lot of titles,” said Djokovic. “Hopefully these previous experiences and the memories I have can help me do well this year too.”

Before arriving in Shanghai, Djokovic spent time in Beijing and at the Great Wall of China. Lacoste held a special event at Ju Yong Guan Pass, where a tennis court was set up and Djokovic enjoyed hitting some balls with Chinese actor Wang Yibo.

Djokovic also visited the Summer Palace and wore a bright green tracksuit as he strolled the streets of the Chinese capital.

Chinese dreams in @Lacoste Greens. pic.twitter.com/etwWY2bdKK

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) September 30, 2024

“It brought back the 90s. I’m a child of the 90s and I remember those days,” Djokovic said with a laugh. “The music and how everyone dressed up, like the music artists. The tracksuit was a big deal. The color was really out there. I was walking on the street and people were like, “Woah!” What’s going on? This is a bit too much for our eyes!' We had fun.”

It may have brought back flashbacks to the past, but perhaps it was also a taste of what fans will see more of from Djokovic in the future. The Beglrade native received fashion advice from his wife and some friends who work in the fashion industry.

“To be honest, I like the new style. I'm starting to expand what I can wear and what I haven't worn in a long time – I'm starting to like it a little more. I pay more attention to it,” said Djokovic. “Before, I wasn’t that interested in fashion outside of the field. I was more talkative, jeans or chinos and polo, that was my style for a long time, but now I'm going outside the box a little and exploring the fashion world.”

Djokovic wants to enter the winner's circle for the second time this year. The Serbian has compiled a season record of 32-8, with his best result coming at the Paris Olympics, where he won the gold medal.