Djokovic: "I want to thank everyone".

Novak Djokovic is back in China for the first time since 2019.

Tough winner of Alex Michelsen in the first round of the Shanghai Masters 1000 (7-6, 7-6), the Serbian returned to the press conference to talk about his impressions.

He spoke happily of his immense popularity in the country: "It's a great feeling. Since I arrived in China and Shanghai, I've received a lot of love and support.

On the court, it was wonderful. To experience this entrance onto the court, the support and love of the Chinese fans in this way, is exactly why I came.

I really missed Shanghai, I really missed China. Five years is far too long for the kind of support I get here.

I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for coming from the first game, filling the stadium and creating a great atmosphere."