Djokovic returns to compete at the Shanghai Masters

Novak Djokovic will be making his return at the Shanghai Masters tennis event next month, as confirmed by the event organizers.

Novak Djokovic will reappear at the Shanghai Masters next month, marking his first tournament since his semifinal loss to Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open, according to the organizers' announcement.

Djokovic participated in the 2024 edition, reaching the final but losing to Jannik Sinner. After the recent US Open, he admitted uncertainty about how many more tournaments he would play this season.

“I still don’t know where I will go or what I will do,” Djokovic said, also confirming his plan to compete in the Hellenic Championship in Athens in early November.

This tournament is owned by the Djokovic family and was previously held in Belgrade, concluding just before the ATP Finals in Turin. Last year, Djokovic did not participate in the ATP Finals.

Additionally, the world No. 4 is expected to take part in the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Riyadh in mid-October.

His return to Shanghai draws attention because Djokovic had mentioned after the US Open that he felt he had better chances to beat Alcaraz or Sinner in best-of-3 set matches rather than best-of-5. This year, Djokovic lost to both players in three of the four Grand Slams. At the Australian Open, he defeated Alcaraz in the quarterfinals but suffered a hamstring injury and had to retire during the semifinal against Alexander Zverev.

Djokovic hopes that at the upcoming ATP 1000 event, he will have the opportunity to face Alcaraz or Sinner again in a best-of-3 set format, which better suits the fitness of the 38-year-old player.

“I believe my chances are higher in 3-set matches, which usually take place over a week or in Masters events lasting nearly two weeks, with rest days in between,” Djokovic shared after his loss to Alcaraz at the US Open. “That could help me compete against them more effectively.”

A strong performance in Shanghai would also improve Djokovic’s chances of maintaining a Top 4 year-end ranking, which would provide a significant advantage in seeding and draw at the 2026 Australian Open, where he will aim for his 11th title and 25th Grand Slam trophy.