Novak Djokovic declares he is chasing his 100th title as he readies himself to face World No.1 Jannik Sinner in Shanghai Masters final
Novak Djokovic defeated Taylor Fritz in the 2024 Shanghai Masters semifinal to setup a title clash with Jannik Sinner.
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Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic (Images via X, Tennis365)
Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic is inching closer to his first tour-level title of the 2024 season. For someone who has 24 Grand Slam titles to his name, not winning a title in an entire season might be shocking even if he fulfilled his long-standing dream of winning an Olympic gold medal. Nevertheless, Djokovic is close to just one win away from winning his fifth Shanghai Masters title.
The 37-year-old will be up against World No.1 Jannik Sinner in the title clash as he defeated American Taylor Fritz in the semifinal on Saturday. If Djokovic manages to go past the Italian ace, he will be clinching his 100th tour-level title, a feat only Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors have achieved.
When asked if that was on his mind when he came to China, Djokovic answered affirmatively. The Serbian said that for the success he had achieved in the Asian nation, he had come with the aim of landing his 100th title.
I obviously came to Shanghai after 5 years of not playing in China, the place where I’ve always had great success.. both in Shanghai and Beijing tournaments…I’ve said it many times, the support I’m getting here is tremendous and incredible. That creates an energy that keeps me going and keeps me running. I did come here this year with a vision or desire to get to the final and fight for a 100th title. I get that chance against the best player in the world. Let’s see what happens.
Novak Djokovic said in the post-match press conference.
Djokovic defeated Fritz 6-4, 7-6 (6) in the semifinal to set up a clash with Sinner. The Serbian will be playing only for the second time against the World No.1. The last time they played against each other, in the Australian Open semifinal, Sinner beat him 6-1, 6-2, 6-7(6), 6-3.
Novak Djokovic admits to the big challenge against Jannik Sinner
Novak Djokovic is well aware of what awaits him in the Shanghai Masters final. Although a four-time champion, Djokovic admitted that he will not be the favorite when he faces Jannik Sinner on Sunday. He hailed his opponent for his consistency this season and admitted that Sinner is the player to beat on the hard court.
Djokovic admitted that he would need to play at his highest level if he were to win against the Italian. But the Serbian has his fingers crossed.
He’s in form the past 12 months, best player in the world, incredible tennis, just so consistent, and [the] player to beat, no doubt, particularly on hard court. He knows my game, I know his game. We haven’t played since Australia this year. Yeah, I’m hoping for the best. It’s going to take my highest level to win.
Novak Djokovic said about his matchup with Jannik Sinner. (H/T: ATP Tour)
While Djokovic is expecting “probably the toughest encounter of the tournament”, Sinner also knows it won’t be easy against the former World No.1. The reigning US Open champion said that he is expecting a very tough match.
We always had some very tough matches in the past. It’s going to be a very tough one, it’s one of the biggest challenges we have in our sport. I’m happy that I can play against him in the final, it’s even more special, and then we see how it goes. I mean, it’s very tough to predict this one.
Jannik Sinner said about facing Novak Djokovic.
Although Djokovic leads 4-3 in the head-to-head record, Sinner has dominated the World No.4 in the last four matches, winning three of them.
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Ritesh Pathak
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