Novak Djokovic: ‘I have questioned whether I want to keep on playing’

Shortly after converting match point, Djokovic issued an update on the future of his tennis career, telling his fans he has considered whether he wants to continue.

Novak Djokovic admits he has questioned whether he wants to keep playing ‘many times’

“Yesterday I did not get to finish the match; it was a bit strange. I don’t think it has happened ever in my career, where I have had that in a semi and then a final. It is a strange feeling. I want to celebrate because it is one of the best weeks I have had in a couple of years. But at the same time, he retired from the match at the beginning of the second, so it doesn’t feel right or respectful to jump around and be joyful. But deep inside I am very proud of this achievement,” said Djokovic.

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“It has been a challenging year. Many times I have questioned whether I want to keep on playing and feeling this way on the court. But this week has proven me wrong once again and giving me a great boost for the rest of the season.”

Djokovic enjoyed an excellent start to his 2026 campaign, reaching the Australian Open final, where he came close to winning a record-extending 25th major title.

He couldn’t maintain that level, though, and suffered several early exits. Djokovic failed to impress at the Italian Open, French Open, Cincinnati Open, and the US Open, before winning the title in Beijing.

Novak Djokovic’s early exits in 2026

• Indian Wells – Lost in 4R to Jack Draper, 6-4, 4-6, 6-7
• Italian Open – Lost in 2R to Dino Prizmic, 6-2, 2-6, 4-6
• French Open – Lost in 3R to Joao Fonseca, 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 5-7
• Cincinnati Open – Lost in 2R to Thiago Agustin Tirante, 6-2, 4-6, 4-6
• US Open – Lost in 1R to Mariano Navone, 6-7, 7-5, 6-4, 2-6, 1-6

Djokovic has now won 34 matches in the Chinese capital, winning seven titles (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2026). During his on-court interview, Djokovic was asked about his remarkable record in Beijing.

“There is something about Beijing; I don’t know what it is. Probably a variety of things. The support and love from the crowd and the connection I have with them. Not just this year, but always when I come to China, I have been feeling the love. I love the conditions. I love playing in both Beijing and Shanghai. I am very thrilled and proud of the performances this week,” he said.

“The way I found a way to win in all of the matches, which were basically since round one, second set was tough in round one, and then every single set after that was unknown whether it would go my way or my opponent’s way. It was stress and pressure, but I fought, and I’m super happy for myself and my team.”

Djokovic didn’t have an easy route to the title, but raised his level when it mattered most, securing wins over Nuno Borges, Yunchaokete Bu, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, and De Minaur. He’ll have another opportunity to win big in China at the upcoming Shanghai Masters…

Novak Djokovic’s Shanghai Masters draw

Djokovic, the 10th seed, will play Hubert Hurkacz or James Duckworth in the second round of the Shanghai Masters. He will be the favourite in either match-up, and would be the favourite again, should he reach round three.

There, he could play Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti. The pair met in the Hellenic Championships final a year ago, a match Djokovic won in three sets to claim his 101st ATP title.

Looking ahead, the Serb may face Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina or America’s Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round, and Jakub Mensik or Ben Shelton in the quarters. Then, he could play Zverev in the semi-finals and Carlos Alcaraz in the final.

If Djokovic is to win back-to-back titles, he will need to beat some of the very best players in men’s tennis. The 2026 Shanghai Masters begins on Wednesday, October 7.

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