Home / Sports / Djokovic Practices with Rune, Targets 25th Slam in Shanghai Comeback
Djokovic Practices with Rune, Targets 25th Slam in Shanghai Comeback
3 Oct
Summary
- Djokovic returns to Shanghai, seeking 5th title
- Practices with young star Rune ahead of Cilic match
- Aims to play through 2027 for 2028 Olympics
Novak Djokovic has arrived in Shanghai several days early for the penultimate Masters 1000 event of the season, where he has won four titles during his legendary career. The 38-year-old Serbian star, who currently sits third in the ATP Race, has not played an official match since last month's US Open final against Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic, who has had a solid season but failed to clinch a Grand Slam title, will make his Shanghai debut tomorrow against Croatian veteran Marin Cilic. The 24-time major champion is intent on being a protagonist in the latter part of 2025, despite acknowledging that his level is not what it once was.
According to reports, Djokovic wants to stay on the professional tour through 2026 and 2027 to assess his form ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Most analysts believe he will retire if he fails to win his 25th Grand Slam title by the end of next season. In the meantime, Djokovic has been practicing intensely in Shanghai, including a session with young Danish star Holger Rune, where the two played an impressive point that left fans in awe.
