Andy Roddick Reveals Why He’s Concerned About Novak Djokovic Despite China Open Win

At this stage of his career, Novak Djokovic is playing a light schedule, skipping mostly the ATP 500 and Masters 1000s, and prioritizing only the Grand Slam tournaments. And this is why Andy Roddick is concerned about Djokovic’s Grand Slam chances.

Djokovic last played at the China Open, winning it after receiving the walkover from Alex de Minaur. Before the win, he knocked out Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals in what he called one of the two best matches he has played this season. In the semifinals then, Daniil Medvedev faced disqualification after hitting a spectator with a ball.

It was Djokovic’s first title in his second final of the season, after the Australian Open, where he lost the match to Carlos Alcaraz. But before that, in the semifinals, Djokovic played one of the best matches in his career as he upset two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner in five sets.

Jakub Mensik (who beat him in last year’s Miami Open final) handed him a walkover in the fourth round. Then Lorenzo Musetti was forced to retire mid-match after winning the first two sets in the quarterfinals. Roddick thinks Djokovic should play warm-up events before the Majors.

I don’t know that we’re at the point where he can just show up in a best-of-five format, having played one match in the previous six weeks, and expect to easily make a deep run. He’s still capable. But a lot of dominoes have to fall in the right places for that to happen.

Andy Roddick said on his Served podcast

Djokovic did not play any warm-up event before the Australian Open. But he competed at the Italian Open (lost in the opening round) before the French Open, where Joao Fonseca beat him in the third round. After his run to the semifinal at Wimbledon, an ailing Djokovic exited in the opening round at the US Open.

Even the great Novak Djokovic, I don’t know that you can just rock up… Serena [Williams] when she’s 26 years old or Roger [Federer] when he’s 33 years old, Novak at 40 years old, can he just rock up without a lot of matches and play best of five? I don’t know. Now, am I going to be surprised if he does it in Australia and makes the semis? I’ll be impressed. I’ll be amazed. I don’t know that I’ll be shocked. His best chance to do this more often is to play some lead-up events, right?

Andy Roddick added

Djokovic will next be competing in Shanghai to chase his fifth title in the event. He lost to Jannik Sinner in the final in 2024 and to eventual champion Valentin Vacherot in the semifinals last year.

Novak Djokovic wins the China Open for the seventh time in his career

Novak Djokovic competed in the China Open for the seventh time in his career. Every time he played, he finished the event in his favor. Before this season, he last competed in Beijing in 2015.

It’s been 11 years since I last played here. I always have high expectations of myself and always want to visualize myself with the trophy, particularly here in Beijing, a place where I have never lost. But I was also aware that reality is a little bit different these days.

Novak Djokovic said during the trophy ceremony (H/T: ATP Tour)

The Shanghai Masters starts on October 7. World No.1 Jannik Sinner won’t be competing because of his knee injury. Carlos Alcaraz will be chasing his first Masters 1000 of the season as well as his first title in the tournament.

Djokovic last won a Masters 1000 title at the 2023 Paris Masters. He last won a Big Title at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Also read: Novak Djokovic Reveals His ‘Biggest Motivation’ After Ousting Alexander Zverev in Beijing: “I Can Still Beat the Best Players”