Novak Djokovic will have in a few hours the great chance to win the 100th title of his glorious career, as he will be the most anticipated protagonist of the Shanghai Rolex Masters final.
The Serbian champion reached the 59th final in an ATP Masters 1000 by beating Taylor Fritz in straight sets, despite physical problems. The 37-year-old was forced to request a medical time out in the final part of the second set.
Novak Djokovic, Shanghai Masters 2024© Stream screenshot
At the press conference, Nole analyzed the challenge that awaits him in the final against Jannik Sinner and his physical conditions, explaining that, even if he will not be the favorite, he hopes to be physically ready to battle against the Italian. The Serb leads 4-3 in their head-to-head matches, but the ATP No.1 has defeated him in his last two matches at the 2023 Davis Cup Finals and the 2024 Australian Open.
“He’s the player to beat right now, especially on hard courts. He knows my game, he knows mine. We haven’t played each other since the Australian Open. It’ll take my best level to win. I hope I can do it. I won’t be the favorite, but I hope I’m fresh enough to fight him. It’s going to be a long match, the toughest match of the tournament for me and I have to be ready. I won’t share my plans with you. He’s the best player in the world right now. He’s played incredible tennis in the last 12 months and he’s been consistent,” he explained.
Novak Djokovic, Shanghai Masters 2024© Stream screenshot
On reaching the final and winning the match against Fritz, the Serbian champion analyzed: “It’s always special to reach a final. It seems like fate wants me to fight for the 100th title in China, in a place where I’ve had great success in the past and where I get a lot of support. I’m very grateful, especially tonight, the atmosphere was electric and people were really supporting me the whole time. It’s great to play in an atmosphere like that, it’s something that motivates me to push even harder. It was different to yesterday, but at the moment I’m not worried about either of those things. I finished the match both yesterday and today, which is good news.”