Novak Djokovic offers Aces & Sphers: Shanghai Crowd Falls in Love Again | ATP Journey
Shanghai
Djokovic offers Aces and phrases: Shanghai crowd falls in love again
Serbians provide words in Chinese after opening victory in ATP Masters 1000 event
October 3, 2025
Rolex Shanghai Master
Novak Djokovic is a record four-time champion of the Rolex Shanghai Masters.
Jerome Coombe
Novak Djokovic is not only a master of tennis courts, but also a master of personal connection. Whether it’s Italian in Rome, French in Paris or Mandarin in Shanghai, the 38-year-old knows how to combine culture with some heartfelt words.
Djokovic once again won the crowd after his opening victory against Marin Cilic at the Rolex Paris Masters on Friday night. As he talked to them in Chinese, his fans were buzzing and signed the camera lens with local characters.
“These are some phrases I’ve learned over the years, so I have to update my knowledge of Chinese,” said Djokovic, the former in the PIF ATP ranking. “It’s always a pleasure to play in front of such enthusiastic fans. People have been giving me a lot of love and support over the years, so I tried to give them back with good tennis, and also used some phrases to learn Chinese.
“It was amazing to see that packed house tonight. I know it’s a national holiday and a weekend, but it’s incredible for the first game. It’s one of the most beautiful stadiums and I totally love myself.”
This mutual affection has been established for more than ten years. Djokovic made his 11th appearance in Shanghai this week, where he scored four records for the trophy. He even left his mark in 2008, winning the Nitto ATP final at the Shanghai branch (then the Masters Tennis Cup).
Djokovic
However, this particular party brings an additional challenge: humidity. Djokovic found that his grip sweat was faster than usual, resorting to wood chips for traction.
“To be honest, it’s crazy wet. I don’t remember the weather in China so wet,” Djokovic said. “I don’t remember the last time I played with humidity. That’s the essence of it… for me, my opponents and every other player. You just have to take it, deal with it. A lot of people sweat. The laundry fee will be high this week, but it can.”
Now, Djokovic shifted his focus to the third round with Yannick Hanfmann, who adapted to the conditions. The Germans competed in four games, including qualifying, and will aim to uninstall his thump on Djokovic.
In addition to a 1-0 lead in Lexus ATP Head2head, Djokovic will also be confident in his performance against Cilic on Friday. According to Infosys ATP statistics, the Serb saved all four breakout points he faced and hit 10 ACES Cilic six points.
“I think the service is great. I have influenced him more than he gives me, and it’s not common when you play someone like Marin,” Djokovic said. “He has one of the best services in the world. He’s very aggressive. When he feels the ball, his game is so deep, so deep.
“I dug up my own troubles on serving and some nice shots. But it’s a tough game for me, no doubt. Sometimes it’s better to start with a game like this.”
