Novak Djokovic shrugs off retirement talks as he declares he “still wants to keep playing”
Novak Djokovic declared that he would love to make an annual trip to China because of the love and energy he feels in the country.
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Novak Djokovic at a press conference (Image via ATP Tour)
Novak Djokovic is through to the fourth round of the 2024 Shanghai Masters. The Serbian ace defeated Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 6-2 to keep alive his chances of capturing his 100th tour-level title. After the win, Djokovic talked about the reason behind his success in Shanghai and declared that he would love to make his annual trip to China in the future.
When asked if this would be his last appearance in China and if that might be the reason for him pushing harder, the 24-time Grand Slam champion clarified that the love and respect he gets in the Asian country fuels his passion. Djokovic then stated that he intends to return to play either the China Open or the Shanghai Masters in 2025.
I always had tremendous success, both Beijing and Shanghai. It is definitely due to incredible love and respect and support I’m getting from the Chinese people. I will do my best to come back next year. I don’t know what next year brings in terms of my schedule and so forth. I know that I still want to keep playing.
Novak Djokovic said in a press conference in Shanghai. (H/T: Tennis365)
The 37-year-old has indeed had great success in China. While he has won four titles at the ATP 1000 tournament in Shanghai, Djokovic is a six-time champion at the China Open in Beijing. He also won his maiden ATP Finals crown in Shanghai in 2008.
Novak Djokovic chalks out his plan for 2025 season
With age catching up and the tennis schedule more cramped than ever, Novak Djokovic has found a way to keep competing and winning tournaments. The Serbian ace prioritizes playing the big events and as he intends to play longer, he said he will stick to the same strategy next year.
The former World No. 1 is unsure about his body and has not zeroed upon which big tournaments to play in. However, Djokovic is certain that he wants to make an annual trip to China and take part in at least one of the two tournaments.
I have to see where I am in my life with my body and everything, but I still have plans to go ahead, you know, as previous years, prioritizing the biggest events. But then I still would like to make my annual trip to China, at least for one tournament, because of the incredible energy and love I feel here.
Novak Djokovic said
Apart from the four Grand Slam tournaments, Djokovic has played only eight tournaments this year, including the Paris Olympics, Davis Cup, and the United Cup. He has not played a single ATP 500 event all season.
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Ritesh Pathak
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