“I wanted to play in China… I said, ‘Okay, I need to play the tournament in Shanghai, it’s the biggest event in China,” Novak Djokovic said last year after coming within one match of the title at the Shanghai Masters . But 2025 paints a very different picture. The Serbian has played almost exclusively Grand Slams this season, with only the Geneva Open breaking the rhythm between Madrid and Roland Garros, and no events bridging Wimbledon to the US Open. Now, in a twist that shakes the tennis world, Djokovic has confirmed his participation at the Shanghai Masters, with Mark Knowles weighing in on the champion’s bold decision.

In a recent podcast with Mitch Michals, former Doubles No. 1, commentator, and coach to one of the top WTA players, Mark Knowles shared his thoughts on Nova

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