Novak Djokovic has had immense success in China in the past. He has four Shanghai Masters as well as six China Open titles to his name.
The excitement that he shared upon his return to the country half a decade after his last appearance then is understandable. He will be playing in the Shanghai Masters, where he will be seeded fourth.Recalling his last few appearances in China, Djokovic said he remembers the courts being really fast. The importance of serving well, he added, could go on to decide the fate of encounters being played at the venue.
He went to acknowledge his connection with the country during his pre-tournament press conference (via ASAP Sports), saying he loves the language and cuisine.
“So, yeah, so I haven’t played here five years, but I do remember that Shanghai always had quick courts, fast courts, and that you really have to serve well,” Novak Djokovic said. “You have to serve well, that’s a big advantage, so that’s what I’m personally working on.”
“The secret of me doing well in Asian Swing and in China? I just, I think I love dumplings and Chinese language, I think that helps,” he added.
“One of the happiest places I’ve had in my career” – Novak Djokovic ahead of Shanghai Masters return
During the same press conference, Novak Djokovic described China as “one of the happiest places” of his career, saying it was a great feeling to get an opportunity to come back to the country.
“It feels great. I missed it. It’s been awhile, as you said, five years, coming back to, honestly, one of the happiest places I’ve had in my career, a place, a country where I had plenty of success on the tennis courts, Beijing and Shanghai, many titles won, great memories,” the Serb said.
He also acknowledged the support that he and the rest of tennis players have received from fans in China, dubbing them the “most unique and passionate.”
“A lot of great support from the fans here in China,” Novak Djokovic. “They are probably the most unique, the most passionate fans and, you know, always so dedicated, daily waiting for you, giving you presents and really feeding you with a lot of love and energy.”
“So that’s something that I was very excited to experience once again. Yeah, I’m just enjoying my time so far in China,” he added.
Djokovic, the fourth seed at this year’s Shanghai Masters, has been given a bye in the opening round. He will open his campaign against either Alex Michelsen or Bu Yunchaokete.