2024 is the season of Novak Djokovic. His excellent performance at the Paris Olympics brought him unbelievable glory. As the Serb reached China for his next tournament, his supporters couldn’t help but welcome him with a grand gesture. Following Djokovic’s welcome in Shanghai, the fraternity understood why he is one of the celebrated athletes of the sport.
He had his debut match in the tournament against the United States’ Alex Michelsen yesterday. While entering the court, Djokovic was hailed as the Greatest of All Time by the announcer of the tournament. The Serbian maestro lifted his hands in the air to showcase his love and appreciation towards the spectators after this warm welcome. While Djokovic established his worth in the sport, this was the first time he received a compliment of such height in public.
Djokovic truly showed his brilliance in the match afterward. Despite 20-year-old Michelsen’s efforts, he couldn’t trouble the Serbian as he was in his best form. In this match of an hour and fifty-five minutes, Djokovic saved many set points in the second set and brought 35 winners.
After the sad 2024 US Open run that ended in the third round against Alexei Popyrin, the Serbian legend reached China for the ATP Masters 1000. Djokovic earned his career’s Olympic gold in Paris at 37. When players of his age think of retirement, Djokovic reached the finals of two Grand Slams this season, entering the quarterfinals in the 2024 Roland Garros.
The legend expressed his delight in winning the first match in the 2024 Shanghai Open. After debuting in the tournament in 2009, Djokovic won four titles here. However, he paused his Shanghai Masters run in 2019. Now that he returned to the tournament, he revealed how much he missed playing here.
Delighted Novak Djokovic penned a thank you for the Chinese fans
The Serbian legend was delighted beyond words receiving the grand welcome in Shanghai. After defeating Michelsen, Djokovic tweeted on X saying, “Shanghai I’ve missed you! Thank you for the support and the kind introduction.” The former ATP number one also attempted to add his expression in Chinese language to showcase how overwhelmed he felt.
The Serb received a warning from the umpire at the beginning of the second set of his match. Djokovic ran down an early shot click and received a warning for the time violation. However, he showed his incredible brilliance and won his match nonetheless.
Djokovic’s love for his Chinese fans delighted the fraternity. The way his supporters in Shanghai embraced him was a moment of pure emotion. The Serb also returned the love with the same kindness, showing why he deserved every bit of the praise he was offered.