Novak Djokovic’s wholesome comment to Roger Federer as he makes ‘wish’ claim after Shanghai defeat to Jannik Sinner
Roger Federer was in attendance for the Shanghai Masters final between Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic and the latter admitted after the match that he “wished” his fellow tennis legend was still “on court playing with us”.
Playing in his 141st final and looking to become only the third player after Jimmy Connors (109) and Federer (103) to win 100 singles titles in the professional era, Djokovic came up short against Sinner in the Masters 1000 showpiece match.
Federer was one of several high-profile players in attendance in Shanghai as he was flanked by reigning world No 2 Carlos Alcaraz as well as former world No 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, who coaches four-time major winner Alcaraz.
But it wasn’t to be for Djokovic as world No 1 Sinner defeated the 24-time Grand Slam winner 7-6 (7-4), 6-3.
During the trophy presentation ceremony, Djokovic took a moment to address his former rival Federer, who retired in September 2022.
“It’s nice to see Roger,” he said, much to the delight of the spectators at the Qi Zhong Stadium.
“I’m not used to seeing you in the stands. I wish you were here on court playing with us. It’s probably the first time I’m playing in front of you. It’s great. Carlos as well. Juan Carlos as well. Thank you for coming out and being a part of this match.”
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Djokovic has won only one title this year, the singles gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, while the Shanghai Masters was his first tournament after his shock third-round defeat at the US Open.
Following a lean patch, there are plenty of highs for the tennis great.
“I think there’s quite a few positives that I can take. First of all, I think the level of my tennis was really good this tournament, probably best after the Olympic Games in terms of how I played, how I performed, how I fought,” he said.
“I did my best tonight. Under the circumstances, you know, I felt maybe not a hundred per cent fresh, but at the same time big credit to Jannik for playing the big points better than me, and that’s what made the difference.
“He deserved to win, he was just too strong in important moments. But, nevertheless, I still think that even in the finals today I played pretty well, so, which, you know, gives me, I guess, a reason to believe that I can still play with these guys that are the best in the world at this level.
“Hopefully I can maintain that level in the upcoming months, and also for the future.”
