Djokovic and China’s Mutual Journey: Seventeen Years of Devotion Building an Eastern Home Ground

In October in Shanghai, a familiar red figure appeared on camera—Djokovic, wearing a red jacket, smiling as he reflected on his profound bond with this city and the Chinese supporters over seventeen years. From lifting the year-end finals trophy in Shanghai for the first time in 2008 to his return to the city now, his words expressed immense gratitude and appreciation for the Chinese fans: “Since that year, whether in Beijing or Shanghai, the support I’ve received here has been incredible.”

“In China, I Feel Like I’m at Home”Djokovic’s sentiment is genuine, not just polite words. He admitted that the energy from Chinese fans “has truly grown stronger,” even describing every training session as “like a match” due to the crowd’s cheers and enthusiasm. “Maybe apart from my homeland, this is the place in the world where I get the strongest support,” he sincerely said. “Here, I always feel very welcomed.” This sense of warmth, like being at home, is a key reason for his return to Shanghai. Even though he has nearly cut out all tournaments except Grand Slams, he still chooses to cross the ocean for this bond.

Chinese fans’ affection for Djokovic has long been recognized as a unique bond in tennis. In 2008, he won a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics and then claimed the Shanghai Masters year-end title, forging an unbreakable connection with China. Since then, he has created an undefeated legend at the China Open in Beijing and claimed the Shanghai Masters title four times, each stroke accompanied by roaring cheers. Fans have remarked, “He enjoys a true home-court advantage in China.”

This support is no accident. Djokovic always responds to Chinese fans with respect and sincerity: he says “thank you” in Chinese, has his name embroidered in Chinese on his clothes, and has repeatedly reignited his fighting spirit thanks to the crowd’s encouragement during tough moments. As one netizen put it, “Every time he comes to China, it’s full of sincerity—this is a genuine two-way dedication.”

This trip to Shanghai carries even deeper emotional significance for Djokovic. Facing a gradually reduced schedule and an uncertain future, he chooses to come for the fans: “I just love coming back here to perform in front of an audience that always gives me huge energy.” Some fans speculate this might be his last appearance in Shanghai, making every moment priceless.

Previously, during his matches in China, countless fans in the stands raised Serbian flags and his photos, shouting in a mix of Chinese, English, and Serbian, embodying what “love beyond borders” means. One fan’s comment reflected the collective feeling: “Djokovic’s fanbase in China is definitely the largest worldwide because he truly deserves it.”

Djokovic’s story with China has long transcended sports itself. It is about respect, perseverance, and mutual achievement. When he stands on the training court, looking at the “sea of red” ignited for him in the stands, it is perhaps this unwavering passion over seventeen years that makes him willing to cross mountains and seas, returning time and again to this “second home.”As he said, “I feel great here, just like being at home.” And the response from Chinese fans is written on every court where he has competed: “No matter when you return, this will always be your home ground.”

Tonight, at the 2025 Shanghai Rolex Masters second round, the first night match on the center court, Djokovic makes his debut against veteran Cilic. This night will surely be one filled with passionate cheers from Chinese fans. Go Djokovic!(Source: Tennis Home Author: Mei)