Djokovic: 'I have not given up on the Grand Slam dream'

Novak Djokovic requires one additional Grand Slam to definitively overtake the legendary Margaret Court, who holds the same 24 Major titles as Nole.

Novak Djokovic has confirmed he will travel to China to compete in the ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters 2025, a move that shows the Serbian player remains determined to compete despite facing many challenges from the younger generation.

The Grand Slam record-holder raised doubts about his future after losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open semifinal in early September, marking the second consecutive year he has failed to add a Major title.

"It will be very difficult for me in the future to overcome the barrier posed by Sinner and Alcaraz in the best-of-five format at Grand Slams. My chances are clearer in best-of-three, but best-of-five is very tough. Nevertheless, I will not give up on the Grand Slam. I will keep fighting to try to win at least one more title.", Djokovic shared.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion admitted that physical fitness is a major obstacle when facing younger opponents: "I have lost all 4 Grand Slam semifinals against the current young players. They are extremely strong and play at a very high level. Like at the US Open, I was completely drained after the second set. I no longer had the stamina to keep up with their pace."

The Shanghai Masters organizers announced Djokovic will participate, and the 38-year-old player officially confirmed after the draw was released. He could face Marin Cilic in the opening round, Frances Tiafoe in the next, and if he advances, meet Jannik Sinner in the semifinals – the opponent who defeated him in last season’s final.

Djokovic is also expected to play in the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia after Shanghai, where he is guaranteed to earn 1.5 million USD regardless of the outcome. Afterwards, Nole will decide whether to participate in the ATP Finals in Turin – where he holds the record with 7 titles – or not.

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