World no. 4 Novak Djokovic is back on the practice court at home in Belgrade. The 24-time Major winner will enter the Shanghai Masters, returning to China for the first time in five years and seeking the fifth title at one of his favorite events, the first since 2018.
The greatest player of all time could not say much about his schedule following an early US Open loss. However, it’s clear he will compete in Shanghai and Saudi Arabia in October, with nothing set in stone after these two events.
Djokovic achieved his biggest dream at the Paris Olympics, winning the gold medal and completing the game of tennis, earning all 15 notable titles of our sport and cementing his GOAT status. The Serb enjoyed a stellar ride in 2023, lifting three Major titles from four finals and wrapping up the season at the top for the eighth time, keeping everyone behind at 37!
Novak could not repeat that in 2024, especially at Majors. The veteran suffered the semi-final loss at the Australian Open, missing a chance to fight for the 11th trophy in Melbourne.
Novak Djokovic is back on the practice court ahead of the Shanghai trip.
Things did not work well for him in Indian Wells and Monte Carlo ahead of more tough defeats in Rome and Geneva.
Heading to Roland Garros with no top-10 wins in 2024, Djokovic passed two challenging rivals on Court Philippe-Chatrier, moving into the quarter-final but feeling the pain in his right knee. The defending champion withdrew ahead of the Casper Ruud clash, undergoing surgery and battling against time ahead of Wimbledon and Paris.
Novak displayed his incredible physical and mental strength yet again, reaching the Wimbledon final and standing no chance versus Carlos Alcaraz. He felt good at the Olympic Games in Paris, seeking the only notable title missing in his collection.
Djokovic passed six obstacles in straight sets, earning the gold medal and starting an emotional celebration after a titanic battle with Alcaraz in the title clash.
The Serb took a break, celebrating the triumph with his family and not thinking much about the US Open. The defending champion showed up in New York but could not play his best tennis, passing two obstacles before losing to Alexei Popyrin.
Novak returned to Serbia and led his country in the Davis Cup against Greece, getting the job done and keeping the 2010 champions in the elite. Djokovic will focus on Majors and national duties for the rest of his career, not thinking about ranking and smaller events.
Also, the seven-time ATP Finals champion will not try to qualify for Turin at any cost, reducing his schedule and making no long-term plans.
