(Video) Novak Djokovic reacts to Shanghai Open introducing him as the greatest of all time (GOAT)
Novak Djokovic had not played at the Shanghai Masters in 5 years, having last featured in the 2019 edition.
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Novak Djokovic was announced as the GOAT (via X)
Novak Djokovic returned to the tour at the Shanghai Masters for the first time since the US Open. The Serbian was introduced as the GOAT to the crowd. He reacted to the introduction on social media and admitted how much he had missed the Shanghai crowd.
Djokovic five-year absence from the Rolex Shanghai Masters was heavily felt by the crowd. The last time he played in the tournament was in 2019, losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarterfinals. The Serbian remains the tournament’s record winner having won the title four times.
He opened his campaign against Alex Michelsen on Saturday (October 5). The Serbian was thoroughly tested by the American, as he was down 0-3 in the first set. He found his rhythm in the end to win the set. In the second set, the Michelsen made it more difficult for the 37-year-old. He showed aggressiveness and fighting spirit, but Djokovic’s experience helped him win 7-6 (3), 7-6 (9).
Welcome back Nole!! ❤️
— ᖴᖇᗩᑎI (@frani2312) October 5, 2024
You deserve this intro ??pic.twitter.com/Qmo5faUGt1
Shanghai I’ve missed you! Thank you for the support and the kind introduction. 我爱上海
Novak Djokovic wrote via X
After the victory, Djokovic reacted to the introduction with an appreciation for the crowd and its organizers.
Shanghai I’ve missed you! Thank you for the support and the kind introduction ??. 我爱上海 pic.twitter.com/djuSHGxOiX
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) October 5, 2024
However, Djokovic being the GOAT remains a persistent debate within the tennis world. By some metrics, the Serbian has proven he is the best, but a few still believe he is behind Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Novak Djokovic excited after playing in his first Shanghai Masters match in five years
Novak Djokovic admitted that it was marvelous to be on the court again. The 37-year-old has played fewer matches this season but has done well for himself on the court. He has been to a Grand Slam final and semifinals this year.
He last featured at the US Open, where he exited in the third round after losing to Alexei Popyrin. He has been away from the Shanghai Masters for five years, but back in the tournament, the fans gave him a befitting support. He expressed his joy playing at the Qi Zhong Stadium.
Today on the court was marvelous. To experience the introduction and the support and love from Chinese fans in this way is exactly the reason why I came.
Novak Djokovic said via Tennis.com
The 24-time Grand Slam winner is yet to win any tour-level title this season but has won the singles gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Djokovic will be bidding for his 100th title of his career at the Shanghai tournament.
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Victor Okechukwu
(690 Articles Published)