Novak Djokovic pulls out of Shanghai Masters following US Open, Davis Cup exertions, will likely return in Paris

Novak Djokovic has pulled out of playing the Shanghai Masters, likely meaning he won’t play on the ATP Tour for at least another month.

The world No. 1 played singles on Friday, beating Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, and was then in doubles action on Saturday.

He is now planning to take a break and will not be competing in Shanghai as the ATP Tour returns to China for the first time since 2019.

“Over the years, some of the best support I receive anywhere in the world is in China,” said Djokovic on social media.

“Shanghai has always been one of my favourite tournaments in the season. I will be missing my #NoleFam in China. I hope that I can come back to China in the future and play in front of all of you again.”

The Shanghai Masters is the penultimate Masters 1000 event of the season and starts on October 4.

Djokovic has won in Shanghai four times and owns a 34-5 record at the event.

His decision not to play in China this season means he is likely to return to the tour at the Paris Masters, which starts on October 30.

Djokovic was the runner-up in Paris last year and the event leads into the Nitto ATP Finals and the Davis Cup finals.

World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz is set to be the top seed in Shanghai in Djokovic’s absence.

“It is disappointing not to have Novak at our tournament as it has always been a pleasure hosting him here,” said Shanghai Masters tournament director Michael Luevano said in a statement.

“All of us wish him the very best. He has had a very full year and we hope he remains fit and healthy, and we definitely look forward to welcoming him back to the Rolex Shanghai Masters.

“This year’s tournament promises to be among the best we have ever staged. We are excited to welcome back our defending champion Daniil Medvedev along with some of the most exciting and brilliant young players in world tennis.

“Guys like Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune and Jannik Sinner, who are all making the trip to Shanghai for the first time, and will be joined by such popular figures like Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev.”