Novak Djokovic admits he ‘didn’t feel himself’ in shock Shanghai Masters defeat

By SABC Sport
10th October 2026

Novak Djokovic admitted he did not feel like himself on the court after his defeat to Hubert Hurkacz in his opening match at the Shanghai Masters.

World No 11 Djokovic was upset 6-4, 6-3 by 34th-ranked Hurkacz in the second round at the Masters 1000 tournament on Friday.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion held a 8-0 record against former world No 6 Hurkacz prior to this encounter.

Both sets were decided by a single break, with Hurkacz striking on Djokovic's serve at 5-4 in the first set and at 2-1 in the second set.

The match was played three days after Djokovic secured his 102nd career title at the China Open, but Djokovic admitted afterwards his level in Shanghai was well below what he produced in Beijing.

"I wasn't close to what I was playing in Beijing," he said. "I'm slightly more tired, not fresh. Hubi was serving very big and, you know, I didn't feel myself on the court in terms of feeling the ball. It's super quick surface, completely different from Beijing.

"If you lose your serve, it's enough to lose the match, just once per set. That's what happened. It's very difficult to return his serve, almost impossible, he was serving big. So, yeah, I didn't adjust, and it was a really tough draw for me to play him in the first match here."

Djokovic still felt positive overall about his two tournaments in China.

"Beijing was great. A very early exit here, but it's okay," said the world No 11.

"I've had a great week in Beijing, and I look forward to rest a little bit and get ready for indoor."

Asked if he has decided which events he will play for the rest of the year, Djokovic said: "Yeah, yeah, I'm planning only to play in Paris or let's see.

"Hopefully, I can have a good result there."

This year's Paris Masters, the final ATP 1000 tournament of the season, will be held from 2 to 8 November.