After making it through most of the season rather successfully, yet without a 25th Grand Slam, Novak Djokovic has no intention of slowing down. The 38-year-old noted his goal was to focus on major titles and has, since winning his 100th title at Geneva, skipped any tournaments outside the Slams. He skipped warm-up events ahead of Wimbledon and the US Open. While he gave his best results, reaching the semifinals in all four Slams, now it’s time for a comeback to his favorite Asian tournament!

On Tuesday, the Shanghai Masters announced the news: the four-time champion will return for the 14th time! The tournament posted, “He’s back 🤩 Our 4-time champ, @DjokerNole will return to Shanghai this year!” Nole holds a remarkable 39-6 win-loss record at the event and has always called it a tournament close to his heart. The Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena will welcome a legend of the game, whose legacy attracts eyeballs to the tennis court. Considering Djokovic’s retirement rumors are gathering pace, his intentions for the Shanghai Masters will only be to win and enjoy the twilight years of his career.

Following the announcement, the tournament quickly revamped the poster on social media. They shared an updated version featuring all the stars set to take on the Masters 1000 alongside Novak Djokovic. They added a playful note to fans of the Serbian legend: “Sorry, we just needed to add someone😉 #RolexShanghaiMaster.” Naturally, the Nolefam, as Novak Djokovic’s fans call themselves on social media, couldn’t get enough of the love and excitement!

Novak Djokovic’s 2025 season has been impressive, marked by historic achievements and solid performances. He reached the semifinals in all four Grand Slams, becoming the oldest player at 38 years and 104 days to do so in a single year. This season, Nole also won his 100th ATP title, becoming the third player to achieve at least 100 titles in the Open Era.

After wrapping up the US Open against eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic was honest about playing the mandatory number of tournaments. “I’m not giving up on Grand Slams, I’m going to continue fighting…I still want to play a full Grand Slam season next year. They are just different from any other tournament. They are the pillars of our sport.”

After he pulled out of the Davis Cup, many wondered if he would return before 2026. But now, with news of his Shanghai return, fans can’t get enough!

Fans call their shots for Novak Djokovic heading into the Shanghai Masters

Following the updated poster, one fan wrote, “This is how you respect the GOAT! 👏” Clearly, including the 24-time Grand Slam champion means the world to them! After all, Novak has dedicated nearly two decades to tennis, putting on a show unlike any other across courts worldwide.

The last two seasons have been a bit disheartening for fans as whispers of Nole’s possible retirement have loomed. Especially with two more members of the Big Four, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, retiring in 2024. This year saw Novak Djokovic struggle to win titles and Grand Slams, so fans can’t help but be hyped, as another wrote: “Let’s go, Novak is so back🫡”

Another fan boldly declared for Nole’s return to the Shanghai Masters: “We have our winner.” Given Novak’s track record at the Shanghai Masters 1000, this might just come true! Djokovic’s remarkable 39-6 win-loss record at the event showcases his legendary status in China.

One more fan wrote under the tweet expressing gratitude to the tournament itself: “China knows who should be centre of attention!” Shanghai, as Novak Djokovic once said, is truly a tournament close to his heart. Last year, he reached the finals but lost the title to Jannik Sinner. After that match, the Serb took to Instagram to share his feelings toward the World No. 1, saying, “Tough to take the L at a tournament so close to my heart, but it wasn’t meant to be today. Bravo @janniksin and to your team for today’s win and on an incredible year💪”

Now, after being on the entry list without confirmation of his return, it’s exciting to see the legend on the poster. As one fan pointed out, “❤❤❤ and what an addition it is 🎾🐐” to see Novak front and center between the World No. 1 and No. 2, the two who have repeatedly challenged him on court this year.

Could they challenge him here? Well, Sinner has taken the lead in their head-to-head (H2H), currently standing at 6-4, having defeated Novak Djokovic back-to-back since the 2023 Davis Cup Finals. He’s beaten Djokovic twice in Grand Slam semifinals at the French Open and Wimbledon this year alone.

Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz has just claimed a victory over Nole. Novak still leads their H2H 5-4 against the World No. 1. Could he turn the tide heading into Shanghai? The action starts on October 1st! Share thoughts in the comments below!