Novak Djokovic recently demonstrated his Chinese language skills during a press conference at the 2024 Shanghai Masters. However, his remarks caused some confusion, prompting the Serb to admit that his proficiency in the language had declined since he last competed in China five years ago.
Djokovic has been relishing his return to the country, engaging in activities like playing tennis at the Great Wall of China with fellow Lacoste ambassador and K-pop star Wang Yibo, exploring the local culture, and visiting various historic landmarks. The 37-year-old is now set to commence his bid for his record-extending fifth Shanghai Masters crown and 100th career title.Speaking to the press ahead of his opening match, the 24-time Grand Slam champion opened up about his enduring passion for tennis, even expressing his “deep love” for the sport in Chinese.
“Even when I retire from professional tennis, I feel like I’m going to stay in tennis, stay involved in, you know, in different roles, because I feel like I owe this sport a lot for what it has been giving to me. So, to put it into Chinese words I would say (In Chinese.) “My love for tennis is as deep as ever.” Something like that,” Djokovic said.
However, Novak Djokovic observed that his statement had raised eyebrows among the reporters present, joking that his Chinese skills had “regressed” in the last five years.
“I guess the Chinese, I see a lot of eyebrows being lift up, so probably missed a couple of words there. I have to work on my Chinese. I have regressed, I must say. Five years, it’s been way too long, I have to practice,” he added.
Nevertheless, the Serb attempted to improve on his initial attempt and delivered another statement in Chinese, conveying his delight at finally getting it right.
“Oh, yeah, another one, okay. Well, I’ll put another sentence, trying to rectify my mistakes from the last one. (In Chinese.) “I wish you peace.” Okay? We got it,” he said.
“I just love dumplings and Chinese language, that helps” – Novak Djokovic reveals the “secret” to his success in China ahead of Shanghai Masters campaign
During the same press conference, Novak Djokovic expressed his excitement at experiencing the passionate support from the Chinese fans again, sharing how much he had been enjoying his return to the country.
“A lot of great support from the fans here in China. 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 said.
The World No. 4 also revealed the “secret” to his success during the Asian swing, hilariously attributing it to his love for dumplings and the Chinese language.
“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 (laughing),” he added.
Following a first-round bye, fourth seed Novak Djokovic will take on the winner of the match between Alex Michelsen and Bu Yunchaokete in the second round of the Shanghai Masters.
