Shanghai 2025: Can Djokovic Secure a 5th Title?

With just a few days before the start of the Shanghai Masters 1000 (October 1-13), excitement is at its peak. And for good reason: Novak Djokovic, the finalist of the last edition, has confirmed his participation, immediately reigniting hopes and speculations around a possible 5th title in China.

Already crowned in 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2018, the former world No.1 approaches this tournament with a dual objective: to further make history and regain the psychological advantage over the new generation, embodied by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

However, the Serbian's path is anything but a walk in the park.

Exempt from the first round, Djokovic will face the winner of the match between Marin Cilic and Corentin Moutet. A potentially tricky encounter for his debut. And it won't get any easier as the tournament progresses. As early as the third round, Frances Tiafoe could stand in his way. Even though he's going through a slump, the American remains unpredictable and dangerous on hard courts.

In the round of 16, things become even more perilous: Andrey Rublev, an exceptional hitter, or Flavio Cobolli, the Italian surprise, could attempt to topple the Serbian titan. As for the quarterfinals, Ben Shelton, impressive over the past few months and victorious in Toronto, could well play the role of spoiler.

If the Serb makes it to the final four, he might face his nemesis Jannik Sinner, in a remake of recent battles (6-4 in their head-to-heads, with a 5-0 advantage for the Italian in their last five encounters).

Finally, in the case of a potential victory against the defending champion, Djokovic could find world number one Carlos Alcaraz on his path. A player brimming with confidence as he continues from 10 finals this season.