Novak Djokovic announces decision on his Shanghai Masters participation

• Tennis News
• Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic has announced that he won't be competing at this year's Shanghai Masters. For the first time since 2019, the Shanghai Masters is set to return to the ATP calendar. Unfortunately for the Shanghai organizers, their comeback edition won't feature world No 1 Djokovic.

In Shanghai, Djokovic has made nine appearances and the Serb has had lots of success there - he is a four-time champion and also made the semifinal on four other occasions. "Over the years, some of the best support I receive anywhere in the world is in China.

Shanghai has always been one of my favorite tournaments in the season. I will be missing my #NoleFam in China. I hope that I can come back to China in the future and play in front of all of you again," Djokovic announced on X.

Over the years, some of the best support I receive anywhere in the world is in China. Shanghai has always been one of my favorite tournaments in the season. I will be missing my #NoleFam in China. I hope that I can come back to China in the future and play in front of all of you… — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) September 17, 2023

Djokovic's coach hinted this could happen

After Djokovic won his 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open, coach Goran Ivanisevic indicated the Serb would likely play in the Davis Cup this week and then probably miss all tournaments in Asia and return to action at the Paris Masters. "I don't look into the future.

My future is that I have knee surgery now, so we'll see. As for Novak, I know he is going to the Davis Cup. After that, he should rest well and regroup. I don't think he will go to China, but he will have to play at least one more thing before Turin and the final tournament.

Maybe Paris. We'll see, now we'll enjoy this victory for a bit," Ivanisevic told Sport Klub after the US Open. The Paris Masters is set to start on October 30th. Now that Djokovic is officially out of Shanghai, Paris will likely be the next time when we will see the Serb in action. After Paris, Djokovic will also compete at the ATP Finals and the Davis Cup Final 8.