Tennis lovers, if you’re fired up about Novak Djokovic, get ready for some juicy insights straight from the pros. The 38-year-old Serbian sensation is back in the spotlight at the 2025 Rolex Shanghai Masters, grinding through humid courts and tough draws. But why’s he even there, and what does it spell for his future? American big-server John Isner, chatting on the fun “Nothing Major” podcast alongside pals Sam Querrey, Steve Johnson, and Jack Sock, spilled the beans. He ties Djokovic’s Shanghai stint right to a full-throttle 2026 season. Let’s unpack this buzz, from Isner’s spot-on analysis to Djokovic’s gritty opener—it’s all got that edge-of-your-seat vibe that makes Novak Djokovic must-watch TV.
Why Novak’s Hitting Shanghai: Isner’s No-Nonsense Breakdown
Isner nailed it when he said Djokovic’s choice to lace up in Shanghai screams commitment to next year. “He’s taken a ton of time off this season,” Isner pointed out plainly. “If he wasn’t eyeing a packed 2026—like the grind he knows so well—he’d skip this one hands down.” Makes total sense when you think about the toll of age on the body. “As you rack up years, big breaks hit harder,” Isner shared from his own battles. “Recovery drags, so you’ve got to keep the engine humming with some regular reps.”
Shanghai’s no ordinary stop—it’s the crown jewel of ATP events, pulling in the sport’s heavy hitters year after year. “Top guys like Federer always showed up,” Isner recalled with a nod. “Maybe Rolex ties or just the prestige, but Djokovic owns this place anyway.” For the Serb, it’s less about grabbing trophy number five (though he’d love it) and more about that mental and physical spark. “This keeps him locked in with the tour,” Isner figured. “Wonder what follows—last year, he ghosted Turin and Paris. If Shanghai’s his swan song for ’25, it’s a smart way to bow out strong and rev up for the Aussie Open.”
Isner’s got skin in the game here; he even admitted his own wrong call last year on Djokovic hitting the ATP Finals. But this feel? It’s Djokovic staying sharp, dodging rust, and whispering he’s not fading anytime soon.
Djokovic’s Shanghai Thriller:
Talk about a throwback battle—Djokovic kicked off his campaign with a 7-6(2), 6-4 nail-biter over fellow vet Marin Cilic, the 2014 US Open king. At a combined 75 years and 139 days old, it was the oldest ATP Masters 1000 clash ever, pure respect and firepower on display. Cilic blasted 20 winners in the opener, keeping Novak on the ropes, but a back tweak slowed the Croat just enough for Djokovic to pounce in set two.
The heat and sweat? Brutal. Djokovic channeled tennis history by dusting his hands with sawdust—like Ivan Lendl in his heyday—to fight the slip. It worked like a charm, steadying his grip through the chaos. Wrapping in under two hours, this win bumped his Shanghai ledger to a stellar 40-6, the first dude to hit 40 victories at six different Masters 1000s. “I suffered out there,” Djokovic admitted post-match, owning the rust from his US Open semis loss to Alcaraz. “Marin’s dangerous when he’s on—tough draw, but I’m building.”
Up next? A third-round showdown with qualifier Yannick Hanfmann, who’s on a hot streak after upsetting Frances Tiafoe. If Djokovic navigates that, paths cross with beasts like Andrey Rublev or Ben Shelton. With Jannik Sinner lurking in his half (after edging Alcaraz 7-6, 7-6 in a wild semis preview), this could turn epic.
Quick Hits on Novak Djokovic’s Shanghai Buzz
Why is Novak Djokovic playing Shanghai Masters 2025? He’s using it to shake off rust after time away and stay sharp for a big 2026 push, per John Isner. At 38, regular play beats long layoffs for recovery—plus, Shanghai’s his playground with four prior titles.
What did John Isner say about Djokovic’s 2026 plans?     On the “Nothing Major” podcast, Isner linked the Shanghai entry to Djokovic prepping a full slate next year. Skipping it would’ve signaled lighter loads, but this shows he’s all in to keep competing at the top.
How did Djokovic do in his first Shanghai match?      He outlasted Marin Cilic 7-6(2), 6-4 in a vet-vs-vet classic, using sawdust for grip in the humidity. It marked his 40th win here and set records for oldest Masters matchup and most 40-win Masters events.
Who does Novak Djokovic face next in Shanghai?     Third round against Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann, fresh off knocking out Frances Tiafoe. A win there eyes the Round of 16 and potential clashes with Rublev or Shelton.
Will Djokovic play the ATP Finals in Turin this year?      He’s fourth in the Race to Turin, so likely yes—but Isner notes his unpredictable schedule. Shanghai’s momentum could lock it in, especially after skipping last year.
Wrapping It Up
Novak Djokovic’s Shanghai swing isn’t just another tournament—it’s a teaser for the fire still burning in the Serb at 38, blending savvy scheduling with pure court magic. John Isner’s take cuts through the noise: this is Djokovic gearing up to chase more history in 2026, proving veterans like him keep the tour electric. Whether he lifts that fifth trophy or just stacks wins, moments like the Cilic duel remind us why he’s the GOAT contender. Eyes peeled for the Hanfmann clash—Novak’s story stays gripping, win or grind.