Novak Djokovic arrived in Shanghai a number of days early, contemplating that the previous world No.1 can profit from a bye within the first spherical. The Serbian legend lately determined to take part within the penultimate Masters 1000 of the season, the place he lifted 4 trophies throughout his legendary profession by reaching the ultimate within the final version.
The 38-year-old from Belgrade – who has had season to date however did not clinch a Main title – will make his debut in opposition to Croatian veteran Marin Cilic tomorrow. The 24-time Grand Slam champion – who presently occupies third place within the ATP Race – has not performed an official match because the last US Open in opposition to Carlos Alcaraz and appears intent on being a protagonist within the latter a part of this season.
Djokovic practiced with Rune
Nole is conscious that his degree is now not what it was just a few years in the past, however he has accepted the problem in opposition to Father Time and desires to compete on the highest degree for extra time. In accordance with rumors, he needs to remain on the skilled tour in 2026 and 2027 to evaluate his degree forward of the Los Angeles Olympics scheduled for 2028.
On the similar time, most analysts and insiders are satisfied that Novak will retire from skilled tennis if he fails to win his twenty fifth Grand Slam title by the tip of subsequent season.
In the meantime, the previous world No.1 is working towards with enormous effort in Shanghai and had a follow session with younger Danish star Holger Rune immediately, even doing a set to check his form forward of his debut. At one level, Djokovic and Rune performed a tremendous level that left followers speechless. Each appeared in nice form through the follow set, with Nole main 6-5 earlier than the tip of the coaching.
Novak Djokovic x Holger Rune.
Surrounded by followers on our lovely new follow court docket 😍@DjokerNole @holgerrune2003 #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/y3zruIfKd7
— Rolex Shanghai Masters (@SH_RolexMasters) October 2, 2025
