Novak Djokovic made his debut at the Masters 1000 in Shanghai on Saturday, defeating young American ace Alex Michelsen in two tiebreaks. The 24-time Grand Slam champion could have prevailed much easier, but it was complicated life in the second set had to cancel even two set points in the tiebreak.

Novak Djokovic, Shanghai Masters 2024© Stream screenshot

The former world number 1 – who has finally returned to China after five years – immediately showed a great feeling with the Chinese fans and he talked with them during the practice sessions. The 37-year-old from Belgrade is a global icon and has triumphed four times in this tournament, but the last time was in 2018.

Novak wants to fully enjoy the last years of his legendary career and tries to play with maximum stimulation, although it is not always easy to find the right motivation for a player who has won everything. Winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, Djokovic really completed the puzzle by shocking the world and proving once again that he is one of the best athletes ever. The feeling is that the current World No.4 will try to win at least another Grand Slam title next year, but it won’t be easy given the level expressed by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in 2024.

Nole is very relaxed

Nole is enjoying his time in Shanghai and will be looking to win his fifth title in China. The former world number 1 was also able to visit China and show that he has a great deal of contact with fans. It’s a great feeling. Since I arrived in China and Shanghai, I have received a lot of love and support.

On the court, it was wonderful. To experience this entry on the court, the support and love of the Chinese fans” – the Serbian legend said during the press conference. “I really missed Shanghai, I missed China. Five years is way too long for the kind of support I’m getting here, so I want to thank everyone with all my heart for coming in on the first game, filling up the stadium and creating a great atmosphere” – he added.

Novak has hardly ever played his best tennis in this season, except for the Olympic tournament which was his main goal. The 37-year-old from Belgrade has not won an ATP title so far and – contrary to all expectations – has not even shone a lot in the Grand Slam tournaments.

Novak Djokovic, Shanghai 2024© Stream screenshot

During the press conference in Shanghai, Nole recalled his amazing triumph at the Olympics: “I haven’t watched the entire match again, but I’ve seen the highlights several times and the post-celebrations with my family and the following day.

The welcome for the Olympic champions in Serbia was something unique, extraordinary, and unforgettable, something I will carry in my heart and memories for the rest of my life. I was lucky that my family was there to experience it live because it’s the most outstanding moment of my career. The most intense emotions I’ve felt on a tennis court were in the moments after winning a gold medal.”

The Olympics had become a curse for the Serbian champion, who had always failed to win the gold medal for his country before this year. Tokyo 2020 seemed to be his last chance, with the semi-final loss to Sascha Zverev despite a set and break lead. In one of the most complicated seasons of his career, Djokovic shocked the world by defeating big favourite Alcaraz on his favorite surface.

An endless hunger

The 24-time Grand Slam champion is still very hungry: “What works for one person may not work for another. I try to balance things out and maybe I seem like I’m living a perfectly balanced life, but trust me, I’m not. I try to make the most of it and learn, be the best father and husband I can be, while being a tennis player, and of course a son and a brother.

Novak Djokovic© @Lacoste X account

I miss my family when I’m away, but at the same time I love tennis, I really do, and I have the support of my loved ones to keep playing. I’ve been very fortunate in my life to experience all that I’ve experienced, to have all of these successes. And I’m very grateful to God for giving me that opportunity.

So I try to remind myself sometimes when I’m going through tough times, like everybody else, I have tough days, but you have to remember what matters most, the connections, the relationships with people, and try to be the best version of yourself that you can be every day. I think that’s kind of the formula.”