Novak Djokovic expresses desire to win 100th ATP tour title in Shanghai
Novak Djokovic is looking to become only the third male player after Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors to win 100 ATP tour titles.
Novak Djokovic (Image via X)
Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic still has ambitions in the game, despite having won everything there is to win. The 24-time Grand Slam champion completed his trophy collection in August by winning the Olympic gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
However, Djokovic has stated that he still has the desire to achieve more in the remainder of this year. Arriving in Shanghai for the first time since 2019, the Serb revealed his goal to win his 100th ATP Tour title in China.
As I said before, China has been a place of success and happiness for me. I have had a lot of success on Chinese soil, both in Beijing and in Shanghai. It has been five years since I have been here. I like playing here, I like the conditions, I like the support I get, and I also have an extra motivation, which is to try to win my 100th title. Yes, that is all I can say for now.
Novak Djokovic said in his pre-tournament press conference
The Shanghai Masters returned to the ATP Tour last year for the first time since 2019, after being off the tour from 2020 to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, Hubert Hurkacz won a high-quality final against Andrey Rublev to claim his second Masters 1000 title.
I am trying to improve every day in my training sessions…Again, I hope I can use this freshness in some way, as well as the past experiences and the successes I have had on this court to be successful this year in the tournament as well.
Novak Djokovic added
Meanwhile, Djokovic currently holds 99 ATP Tour singles titles. He is aiming to join Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors as the only male players to reach 100 ATP Tour singles titles.
Novak Djokovic embraces new fashion on his return to China
Before Novak Djokovic arrived in Shanghai, he spent some time in Beijing. He visited the Great Wall of China, where Lacoste held a special event. At the Ju Yong Guan pass, a tennis court was set up for Djokovic to enjoy. He played tennis with Chinese actor Wang Yibo.
It brought back the 90s. I’m a kid of the 90s and I remember those days. The music and how everybody, like the music artists were dressing up. The tracksuit was a big deal. The colour was really out there. I was walking on the street, and people were like, ‘Woah! What’s going on? This is a little bit too much for our eyes!’ We had fun.
Novak Djokovic added in his pre-tournament press conference
Djokovic also explored the Summer Palace in Beijing. He was seen wearing a bright green tracksuit while walking around the city. This visit might have reminded him of his past, but it could also hint at a new style for the future.
His wife and friends from the fashion industry have been giving him style tips. This might change how he presents himself on and off the court. Djokovic is looking to win his second title of the year. He has a season record of 32 wins and 8 losses. His best achievement this year was winning a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
Fahad Hamid
(314 Articles Published)