Novak Djokovic makes first big scheduling announcement after Olympic triumph
Novak Djokovic will be back in action at the Shanghai Masters for the first time in five years – as his post-Olympic plans for 2024 begin to emerge.
World No 2 Djokovic is riding high after claiming Olympic gold in Paris, downing Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling final at Roland Garros – his first title of 2024.
And, despite playing a more tailored schedule in recent years, the 37-year-old has confirmed he will be returning to China at the end of September.
After his US Open triumph in 2023, Djokovic did not play until the end of the year, when he won the Paris Masters and ATP Finals in quick succession before representing Serbia in the Davis Cup finals.
However, his decision to play at the Masters 1000 in Shanghai suggests a different approach for the Serbian this year.
In a brief message shared on the tournament’s social media pages, Djokovic said: “Hello! I can’t wait to be back to play in the Rolex Shanghai Masters.
“You are so great China, I love you – thank you!”
It will be the first time Djokovic has been to Shanghai since 2019 when he was beaten in the last eight by Stefanos Tsitsipas.
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The tournament was cancelled from 2020-22 due to COVID concerns, while he chose to skip action in 2023 after his 24th Grand Slam triumph at Flushing Meadows.
The world No 2 remains the most successful champion in Shanghai history, winning the title four times since the event launched in 2009.
Djokovic beat Andy Murray in the final to claim his first victory in 2012, before successfully defending his title by beating Juan Martin del Potro in 2013.
He regained his title by defeating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 2015, before his fourth – and to date, final – victory in 2018, where he saw off Borna Coric in the final.
All eyes will now be on where else the 37-year-old chooses to play in 2024, after achieving his biggest goal of the season in Paris.
Djokovic is one of countless players across the ATP and WTA Tours who have chosen to skip Canadian Open action this week, though he is entered into the Cincinnati Open next week – where he is the defending champion.
That will be followed by his title defence at Flushing Meadows, though Shanghai is currently the only event confirmed post-New York.
He is currently on track to qualify for the ATP Finals in November and may also look to defend his title in Paris, though the rest of his calendar remains unclear.
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