Novak Djokovic to Return at Shanghai Masters After US Open Hiatus

Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion and current world No. 4, is set to return to competitive tennis at the Shanghai Masters next month, marking his first tournament since losing in the US Open semifinals to Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic has played a lighter schedule this year, prioritizing major events and requiring more rest due to his age, and has expressed a preference for best-of-three set formats like those in Masters tournaments, which he believes suit his physical condition better. He is a four-time champion at the Shanghai Masters and aims to use this event to improve his chances of finishing the year in the top four rankings, which would aid his seeding at the Australian Open. Beyond Shanghai, Djokovic plans to compete in the ATP 250 event in Athens and the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh, while his participation in the Paris Masters and ATP Finals remains unconfirmed. Despite recent challenges against younger rivals like Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, Djokovic continues to pursue milestones, including a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam and surpassing Roger Federer’s 103 professional titles. His return is highly anticipated as he seeks to maintain his status among the sport’s elite in the twilight of his career.