Novak Djokovic Makes ‘Tired’ Admission After Shanghai Masters Opening-Round Exit

Novak Djokovic said he was hungrier for more success after he ended his title drought at the China Open. But in Shanghai, his campaign ended in a disappointing fashion.

In the opening round, he suffered a 6-4, 6-3 defeat at the hands of Hubert Hurkacz, who finally clinched a win over the Serb after eight back-to-back defeats. Djokovic was bidding to win his fifth title in the tournament.

I wasn’t close to what I was playing in Beijing. I’m slightly more tired, not fresh. Hubi was serving very big and, you know, I didn’t feel myself on the court in terms of feeling the ball. It’s super-quick surface, completely different from Beijing.

Novak Djokovic said at the press conference (H/T: Tennis365)

Djokovic, who lost to Jannik Sinner in the final here in 2024, reached the semifinals last year. In Beijing, he clinched the title for the seventh time in his career. After defeating Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals, Djokovic, in the semifinals, was on the verge of defeating Daniil Medvedev, who was defaulted for hitting a spectator.

Yeah, if you lose your serve, it’s enough to lose the match, just once per set. That’s what happened. It’s very difficult to return his serve, almost impossible. He was serving big. So, yeah, I didn’t adjust, and it was a really tough draw for me to play him in the first match here.

Novak Djokovic added

The China Open was Djokovic’s first title since the 2025 Hellenic Championship. In the final, he received the walkover from Alex de Minaur.

Hubert Hurkacz reacts after defeating Novak Djokovic

Before knocking out Novak Djokovic, Hubert Hurkacz eliminated James Duckworth. He will next be facing home favorite Zhou Yi in the third round.

It’s a special night. I’ve been playing Novak for like seven years, and it’s always been unsuccessful, but he presents such a great challenge, such a great champion.

Hubert Hurkacz said during his on-court interview (H/T: Tennis365)

Hurkacz is competing in Shanghai for the fourth time. He is a former champion here, winning in 2023 by defeating Andrey Rublev.

For so many years, he’s been on the tour on the top; he just won Beijing, so it’s a very difficult task to play against him. But it’s also a pleasure to share a court with him, to play such a legend of the sport; it’s a lot of fun, and then you challenge also yourself, you find where your level is.

Hubert Hurkacz added

Djokovic has now lost in the opening round of a tournament for the fourth time this season. Before the Shanghai event, he lost in the opening rounds of the Indian Wells Masters, Cincinnati Masters, and the US Open.

At the press conference, Djokovic said he is planning to play at the Paris Masters, which runs from October 31 to November 8. In 2023, Djokovic last lifted a Masters 1000 title at this tournament. Since then, he has played only two titles at this level, at the 2024 Shanghai Masters and the 2025 Miami Open, losing both to Jannik Sinner and Jakub Mensik, respectively.

Hurkacz is a two-time Masters 1000 champion, winning at the 2021 Miami Open and the 2023 Shanghai Masters. This year, however, he has not reached the fourth round.

In Shanghai, Valentin Vacherot is competing as the defending champion (he beat his cousin Arthur Rinderknech last year). World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz, who skipped the event last year due to an injury, will lock horns with Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the opening round. The seven-time Grand Slam champion is a one-time quarterfinalist here.

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