An exhausted Djokovic falls in his debut in Shanghai and complicates his goal of playing in the ATP Finals

Novak Djokovic said goodbye to the Shanghai Masters 1000 this Friday after losing in his debut against Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 6-3. The 39-year-old Serbian, four-time champion of the Chinese tournament, was tired after winning the ATP 500 title in Beijing and was unable to extend his good streak. During the match he was seen kneeling between games to catch his breath, on a day also marked by heat and humidity.

The defeat represents a setback for Djokovic in his goal of competing in the ATP Finals, the tournament that brings together the eight best of the season and to which the Serbian aspires to return this year. His presence is still not assured and the elimination in Shanghai reduces his options of adding the necessary points in the final stretch of the course. The Serbian, who could not participate in the Turin event last year, seeks to return to a tournament that he has won seven times.

Hurkacz, champion in Shanghai in 2023, had a very solid match on serve and achieved his first victory in eight matches against Djokovic. The meeting lasted one hour and 27 minutes.

Alexander Zverev, for his part, did make his debut and defeated local Wu Yibing 6-4, 7-6 (4). The German, second in the world, suffered a scare on his left ankle after slipping in the second set, but was able to continue and close the match in the tiebreaker.