“It’s still quite far away,” Novak Djokovic remains diplomatic on playing in China after ATP’s U-turn post the Peng Shuai scandal
Novak Djokovic refuses to confirm his plans to play in China later this year as ATP looks to return to Asia for the first time since 2019.
Follow Us
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic is in cruise control mode. With his win in the quarter-finals of the ongoing 2023 Dubai Championships, he is 15-0 this season. Up against the in-form Hubert Hurkacz, Djokovic wrapped up the match in straight-sets to move closer to his third title of the season.
Djokovic defeated Hurkacz 6-3, 7-5 to reach the semi-finals of the competition. The World No. 1 had a bit of a scare in his first match this week. Since then, he has looked better picking consecutive straight-set wins. Tonight was no different as the Serb showed his composure to dislodge the Polish No. 1.
Following the Peng Shuai scandal, the ATP seems to have believed the ‘proof’ presented by China and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over the player’s safety. Following a scare of protests at the Beijing Winter Olympics, IOC and China allowed L’Equipe to question Shuai and clear everything. While the WTA has not yet accepted it, ATP seems eager to believe it and have planned a full season in Asia later this year.
Speaking on his plan for events in China, Djokovic said, “For now it’s still quite far away. I have to see with my team what the schedule is for post US Open, then decide what tournaments I want to play. One thing is for sure: I love playing in China, I love being there. As you mentioned, I have a great fan base. Over the years they gave me so much support.”
Related: “But I’m not facing Novak,” Andrey Rublev shuts ‘unprepared’ journalist at Dupai Open press
Novak Djokovic thanks fans in China for their support over the years
The WTA refuses to hold events in China which includes taking a big hit on its plan to hold the WTA Finals. The deal was inked to schedule all WTA Finals in Shenzhen from 2019 for 10 years. However, following unsatisfactory proof submitted to Steve Simon‘s WTA, the deal has been left hanging as other venues were decided on.
Novak Djokovic did not comment on that factor. He rather showed his appreciation for the Chinese fans and thanked them for their incredible support over the past many years.
“One of the reasons why I play so well in both Beijing and Shanghai is because of them. They make me feel at home. So, yeah, let’s see what happens. It’s still quite a long, long time to Asian swing. I want to make a good plan and stay healthy for big tournaments,” added the Serb before brushing up his Chinese saying, “Little bit: ni hao, Xie Xie. Last time was in 2019, so it’s been a while. I have to update my knowledge of the Chinese language.”
Back in Dubai, Djokovic will now take on old foe Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals. The Russian overcame Borna Coric to make it to the last four continuing his good run on hardcourts post the 2023 Australian Open. In the second semi-final, Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev will lock horns to book the spot for the finals.
Continue Reading:
Stay Updated!
Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)