In a significant blow to the Asian tennis swing, world number one Novak Djokovic has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Shanghai Masters, citing ongoing concerns with his left shoulder.
The Serbian champion, who recently secured his record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open, confirmed the disappointing news through social media, stating he's "still not ready to travel" and needs additional recovery time.
Recovery Takes Priority Over Competition
Djokovic's decision comes after careful consultation with his medical team, who advised against competing while still experiencing discomfort. The 36-year-old had been experiencing shoulder issues during his recent Davis Cup appearances in Valencia, where he represented Serbia.
"My body is telling me I need to pause," Djokovic explained in his statement. "It's never easy to miss tournaments, especially ones where I've enjoyed great support from Chinese fans."
Asian Swing Impact and Replacement
The withdrawal means Djokovic will miss the entire Asian tournament circuit, including events in Beijing and Shanghai. Italian star Jannik Sinner is expected to benefit from Djokovic's absence, moving into a more favourable seeding position.
This development opens opportunities for other top players, including Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev, to gain crucial ranking points in the Race to Turin.
What This Means for the ATP Tour
- Djokovic misses chance to extend his lead in the rankings
- Sinner potentially gains advantageous seeding
- Increased opportunity for Alcaraz to close points gap
- Shanghai Masters loses its top attraction
The tennis world now awaits updates on Djokovic's recovery timeline, with the Paris Masters and ATP Finals in Turin representing his likely return targets.
