Novak
Djokovic joked about his arrival at the Shanghai Masters practice session
alongside Alexander Zverev. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has been a fan
sensation in China, with crowds gathering to catch a glimpse of Nole, who
returned to China after five years.
The crowd's
love for Djokovic has been evident in recent days, and the Serbian star has
shown his appreciation for the local fans, often surprising them by speaking a
few phrases in Chinese.
Nole
entered the tournament as the second seed and made a successful debut against
Alex Michelsen (7-6, 7-6), advancing to the third round, where he awaits the
winner between Flavio Cobolli and Stan Wawrinka. On the same side of the draw,
Zverev defeated Mattia Bellucci and will face the winner between Jordan
Thompson and Tallon Griekspoor.
As both
prepared to debut in the tournament, they arrived together at the practice
session, with Djokovic walking behind Zverev toward the stadium, while dozens
of fans crowded around to photograph the Serbian star.
The world
No. 4 shared a video on social media with Zverev, showing their arrival and
some moments from their practice session together. Djokovic also took time to
sign autographs and take photos with fans: "Just a normal stroll to
practice court with Alexander Zverev. P.S. Watching his back, making sure no
one approaches him from behind," Djokovic said.
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.