The 2023 US Open champion, Novak Djokovic may be 36-years-old but his jam-packed schedule could be interpreted as one of an industrious, mid 20’s executive who doesn’t hold back in his quest to reach the pinnacle of his career.
Mere weeks after his adrenaline-fuelled fortnight in New York, the 24-time grand slam champion was back in Vancouver to participate in the Davis Cup. Around the time of Serbia’s conquest of Spain, Novak withdrew from the Shanghai Masters tournament. The indomitable competitor has worn the Chinese crown a record six times over the years and his absence will sorely be rued by fans.
Novak Djokovic’s decade-old footage goes viral
In a footage from the archival of the Shanghai Open, Novak Djokovic is seen going off the deep end during a point. In the early stages of the match, with Novak possessing peak energy, Juan Martin Del Porto is seen serving a rocket, which the Serbian adeptly returns.
The rally extends for another bout, increasing in intensity with every shot, before Del Potro slams a forehand down the line. Djokovic reaches it, but is suddenly thrown off-balance as he skews his forehand wide. His body twists and swirls like a ballerina and his forearm swings wildly in the air. A visibly astounded Djokovic looks on in shock towards his box in exasperation.
The whole moment beautifully captures the concept of ‘playing each point like its the last’, which is a trait heavily attributed to the ‘Big 3’ of tennis. The sheer intensity of the play and the need to produce the best possible shot in the given momen may have backfired in this particular case, but has given viewers picturesque moments of raw talent over the years.
Djokovic to return in action at Paris Masters
Novak Djokovic took to Twitter to convey his regret at missing out on the Shanghai Open. The ‘Nolefam’, as he describes his fans, is bound to miss the Serbian virtuoso as he takes time-off before returning to the tennis court for another bout of season-ending scuffles.
Novak will fly to France to participate in the ATP Masters 1000 Paris Masters event. It is a tournament that Djokovic has excelled at over the years. In fact, he is a record-setter in the event. He has won the most titles(6), been in the most finals(8), won the most consecutive titles(3), played the most matches(54), won the most matches(45) and shares the record for most seasons played(16).
He will defend last years points gained from his finals loss to Holger Rune, which leaves the door open for Carlos Alcaraz to recapture the world no.1 ranking, and will take stage as the number one seed.
“Novak Loves Paris”, he had posted last year on Twitter before his scheduled appearance at the event. The Nolefam will travel to the city of love to support their superstar hero this year too.
What are your opinions on the ferocious energy Djokovic displays in the footage from the Shanghai Open? Will the Serbian maestro win his 7th title at Paris? Let us know in the comments section below.
