Djokovic Delights: Aces & Affection as Shanghai Embraces the Champion
The Serbian star captivates the crowd with heartfelt words in Chinese after a stunning ATP Masters 1000 victory
October 03, 2025
Rolex Shanghai Masters
Novak Djokovic stands as a record four-time champion at the Rolex Shanghai Masters.
By Jerome Coombe
Novak Djokovic is not just an ace on the court; he’s also a maestro of connecting with his audience. Whether it’s Italian in Rome or Mandarin in Shanghai, the 38-year-old effortlessly bridges cultures with a few warm words.
After his triumphant first match against Marin Cilic at the Rolex Paris Masters, Djokovic turned the crowd into a frenzy when he addressed them in Chinese, etching a local character on the camera lens.
“These are some phrases I’ve picked up over the years. I’m always keen to expand my knowledge of the Chinese language,” Djokovic, the former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, expressed. “It’s a joy to perform for such passionate fans. Their love and support over the years inspire me to give back through my tennis and a sprinkle of linguistic flair.”
“The atmosphere was electric tonight. I know it’s a national holiday, but for a first match, it’s astounding. The stadium is one of the finest I’ve played in, and I’m thoroughly enjoying my time here.”
This mutual admiration has blossomed for over a decade. Djokovic is making his 11th appearance in Shanghai, where he has clinched the trophy four times—a record. He also left his legacy in 2008, winning the Nitto ATP Finals during its Shanghai edition.
Djokovic Charms the Shanghai Crowd with Local Flair:
This reunion, however, brought a new challenge: humidity. Djokovic found himself battling perspiration, resorting to sawdust for grip.
“The humidity is unreal! I don’t remember it being this intense in China,” Djokovic commented. “It’s something we all face, but it’s just part of the game. Lots of sweating this week—my laundry bills are going to be through the roof, but that’s alright!”
Now, Djokovic is gearing up for a third-round showdown against Yannick Hanfmann, who has adjusted well to these steamy conditions. The German has powered through four matches, including qualifiers, eager to unleash his strong shots on Djokovic.
As he heads into the clash with a 1-0 edge in their Lexus ATP Head2Head record, Djokovic also carries the confidence from a solid serving performance against Cilic. According to Infosys ATP Stats, the Serbian saved all four break points he faced and tallied 10 aces compared to Cilic’s six.
“I think my serving was exceptional. I had more aces than Cilic, which is rare when facing someone with his serve,” Djokovic noted. “He plays with such aggression and depth when he finds his rhythm.”
“I navigated through tough situations with good serves and quality shots. It was undoubtedly a challenging match, but sometimes you need such a start to shake off the rust and ignite the tournament.”
