At the 2024 Shanghai Masters, Novak Djokovic experienced a memorable yet bittersweet moment as he fell short in the finals, marking his first defeat in five appearances at this ATP Masters 1000 event in China. The added pressure for the Serbian star came from the presence of tennis legend Roger Federer in the stands. After nearly two decades of competition, Federer’s attendance heightened Djokovic’s sense of pressure during the match.
In his post-match speech, Djokovic candidly expressed his emotions, saying, “It was great to see Roger; I’m not used to seeing him sitting in the stands. I wish he were out there on the court with us. Perhaps this is the first time I’ve played in front of him, so I felt extra pressure today. Thank you for being here!” These words reflect Djokovic’s respect for his fellow competitor and underscore the significance of support from veteran players like Federer.
This match was not merely a technical showdown but also a psychological test for Djokovic. Despite his substantial success in the past, his defeat to Jannik Sinner in the finals dashed his hopes of claiming his 100th career title. Sinner, showcasing impressive form, thwarted Djokovic’s ambitious goal, making the loss even more painful.
Despite the setback, Djokovic expressed deep gratitude towards the fans in China. He stated, “I don’t know what to say. It’s hard to express the appreciation I feel. Sometimes it’s almost uncomfortable because they come to watch every day and show so much love, care, and respect, which is unlike anywhere else in the world, for sure.”
Looking ahead, Djokovic is set to participate in the Six Kings Slam 2024, where both he and Rafael Nadal will receive a bye in the first round. If both succeed in their matches, they could meet in either the finals or the third-place playoff. With his perseverance and unwavering effort, fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Djokovic’s next journey, hoping he returns to the pinnacle of the tennis world soon.
