Djokovic returns to China and adopts a new fashion | ATP Tour

Shanghai

Djokovic returns to China and adopts a new fashion

The Serbian seeks his 100th ATP Tour title

October 02, 2024

Novak Djokovic sets foot on Chinese soil again.

It is a gift not only for the local fans, but also for Djokovic, a four-time Rolex Shanghai Masters champion.

“I wanted to play in China… I said to myself: ‘Okay, I have to play the Shanghai tournament, it’s the biggest event in China and one of the Masters 1000 we have on Tour.’ I missed being in China,” he said. Djokovic to ATP Media.

“It’s been a while, five years. A lot has happened in the meantime in those five years for me and my career, so I was looking forward to coming and experiencing the love and the energy and the support that I’ve been getting from the Chinese fans all these years.” “

In his tenth appearance in Shanghai, the 37-year-old tennis player has long felt the warm support of Chinese fans spread across the planet. Now Djokovic is competing in his backyard for the first time since 2019.

“I met some of them on Tour the last couple of years and they were kind of asking me, ‘You have to go back to China and play!’ So I’m happy to be here, really,” Djokovic said. “It is one of the most spectacular events. The stadium is simply incredible, one of the most beautiful we have on the Tour in our sport.”

Djokovic has the most victories (34) and titles (2012-13, 2015, 2018) in the history of the Shanghai tournament. As happens almost every time Djokovic steps on the court, the world No. 4 in the PIF ATP Rankings is chasing a milestone this week.

The fourth seed will try to become the third man in the Open Era to win 100 titles on the circuit and break his tie with Roger Federer for the most hard court titles (71).

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With a record of 34-5 in the tournament, Djokovic will open his title quest against local favorite Buyunchaokete or #NextGenATP Alex Michelsen.

“I’ve had a lot of success here and in Beijing, I’ve won a lot of titles,” Djokovic said. “I hope that previous experience and the memories I have can help me do well this year as well.”

Before arriving in Shanghai, Djokovic spent time in Beijing and the Great Wall of China. Lacoste hosted a special event at Ju Yong Guan Pass, where a tennis court was set up and Djokovic enjoyed hitting some balls with Chinese actor Wang Yibo.

Djokovic also visited the Summer Palace and sported a bright green tracksuit as he strolled through the streets of the Chinese capital.

“It brought me back to the ’90s. I’m a child of the ’90s and I remember those days,” Djokovic said with a laugh. “The music and how everyone, like the musical artists, dressed. The tracksuit was in fashion. The color was very fashionable. I would walk down the street and people would say to me: ‘Wow! What’s going on? This is too much for our eyes.’

The outfit may have brought back memories of the past, but it may also have been a glimpse of what fans will see more of from Djokovic in the future. The Beglrade native has been receiving fashion advice from his wife and some friends, who work in the fashion world.

“The truth is that I like the new style. I’m starting to expand what I can wear and what I haven’t worn for a long time, I’m starting to like it a little more. I pay more attention to it,” Djokovic said. “In the past I didn’t care so much about fashion off the runway. It was more talkative, jeans and a polo, that was my vibe for a long time, but now I’m stepping out of the box a little bit and exploring the world of fashion “.

Djokovic will try to break into the winner’s circle for the second time this year. The Serbian has posted a record of 32-8 on the season, and his best result came at the Paris Olympics, where he won the gold medal.