Novak
Djokovic was escorted from the airport in China and apologized to fans after
missing the warm welcome of those awaiting his arrival. The Serbian returns to
the courts at the Shanghai Masters next week, aiming for his 5th title in
Shanghai.
Nole is the
tournament's most successful player, with four titles in nine appearances, and
he will be playing in Shanghai for the first time since 2019. The 24-time Grand
Slam champion was stopped by fans on the streets of Shanghai and explained that
he was escorted out of the airport through an alternative exit.
"I'm so sorry,that we didn't meet at the airport"
According
to Sportal.rs, the Serbian apologized to the fans after being forced to
leave the airport without meeting them: “I am in China after five years and I
miss you. I'm so sorry, really sorry that we didn't meet at the airport
yesterday.”
Read also
“I was sad
when I found out. I didn't know you were there. They took me to another exit. I
hope to see many of you in Beijing or Shanghai soon. I'm excited to be in
China, mostly because of you who have been following me for years. I love you,
I love you all.”
Djokovic is
looking to get back to winning ways after his early third-round exit at the US
Open against Alexei Popyrin. The Serbian failed to win any Grand Slam titles
this season for the first time since 2017, but there are still a couple of
challenges left before the season ends. Nole is 9th in the ATP Race and remains
close to qualifying for the ATP Finals, although he will need deep runs in his
last few tournaments to secure his spot in Turin.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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