Novak Djokovic is set to make his 11th appearance at the Shanghai Masters as he returns to action on the ATP Tour for the first time since the US Open.
Nearly a month after Djokovic’s semifinal defeat to Carlos Alcaraz at Flushing Meadows, he will play Marin Cilic in his opening match of the tournament.
The Serb’s appearance marks just the 12th tournament he has featured at this season, and his fifth ATP Masters 1000 campaign of 2025.
Ahead of his first match, Djokovic discussed his future in tennis and revealed whether his 2025 Shanghai run will be his last.
Novak Djokovic speaks about his future at the Shanghai Masters
In his preview interview, the 24-time major champion said: “I don’t think it’s going to be the last time playing here but you never know. I don’t make any long-term plans. It’s what I said in New York after I finished the tournament there.
“I know I’m going to be playing here starting tomorrow and then Athens, you know, that’s that’s the plan for the rest of the year. Let’s see if I add one or two tournaments more to the schedule.
“I decided to come here I think mostly because of you know the fans and the support and how good they treat me really.
“I mean I feel great in Shanghai and also Beijing, you know, I haven’t played there but I had a lot of success and I think the results that I’ve been making in both Beijing and Shanghai are testament to how I feel on the court and off the court as well.
“The practice sessions [in Shanghai] have been amazing. It felt like matches, honestly the amount of people and the energy on the court, so that gives me even more motivation to do my best, so hopefully I can have a good tournament.”
Novak Djokovic assesses his performances at Grand Slams in 2025
Reflecting on his 2025 season so far, Djokovic said: “I think in terms of grand slam performances, semifinals in each one of them is really good.
“I mean, I don’t want to say excellent because there’s always part of me that believes and wants to do better, and wants to win trophies. That’s what I aim for.
“But, you know, [Jannik] Sinner and [Carlos] Alcaraz were just too good, and they made obviously the difference in our matchups.
- Australian Open: Djokovic lost to Alexander Zverev in the semifinals via a walkover
- Roland Garros: Djokovic lost to Jannik Sinner in the semifinals
- Wimbledon: Djokovic lost to Jannik Sinner in the semifinals
- US Open: Djokovic lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals
“I think in terms of setting up goals and objectives for the season, this season was no different from most of the other seasons in my career, where I, you know, put Grand Slams as the main priority, and I think I played [my] best tennis basically at Grand Slams, which I’m happy about.
“I managed to win my 100th title as well, which is a great milestone. I have this tournament, Athens, maybe another one till the rest of the year, so I’m always aiming for the highest. There’s no difference.
“Whether I can make it or not, obviously it’s always a question mark, but I’m doing my absolute best in terms of training and preparation to give myself the best possible chance.”
Djokovic reached the final of the Shanghai Masters last year, where he lost to Jannik Sinner.
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