Shanghai: Djokovic had to “remove the rust”

Thomas Siniecki, Media365: published on Saturday October 5, 2024 at 6:07 p.m.

The home stretch has started in China for Novak Djokovic, who must inevitably find the rhythm.

Novak Djokovic had not played for some time, so it “took him a little time to shake off the rust” as he himself indicated after his success against Alex Michelsen in Shanghai (7-6, 7-6). It was the first clash between the two men, and according to the Serb, the world number 43 “started in a great way, with big serves and an aggressive style”. The 20-year-old American is not afraid to gain strength and attack his opponent, according to the still strong compliments of his illustrious opponent.

“Glad to have been challenged”

“It was very close, both sets were of a high level and I am happy that I was able to keep my calm in the last tie-break, as well as being challenged by a young player. I look forward to the next game.” It will be against Flavio Cobolli or Stan Wawrinka, which could offer a new meeting to those aged over 75 combined in the event of a duel with the Swiss veteran (39 years against 37 for “Djoko”)…

Novak Djokovic, beyond his almost insignificant interlude in the Davis Cup against Greece (without Stefanos Tsitsipas), had not set foot on a court since the US Open and his elimination in the third round. “It’s wonderful, I came to feel this love from the Chinese public.” The man with 24 Grand Slam titles had not played in Shanghai since 2019 and he missed it: “Five years is way too long.” He won four times in China’s most populous city (2012, 2013, 2015, 2018) where he also won the first of his seven Masters in 2009. This Masters where he will be there again in a little over a month in Turin (from November 10 to 17), but before that there will have been the last Parisian Masters 1000 in history at Bercy – before the move to Paris La Défense Arena.