World number two Novak Djokovic maintained a perfect 20-0 on Chinese soil for the past two years after the Serbian successfully defended the China Open and Shanghai Masters titles in the past two weeks. Djokovic said that he’s motivated as ever and acknowledged the fans for their overwhelming support that spurned him on to compete at his best.
“My motivation is always there, especially when I’m playing finals of such a big event. I want this title as much as my opponent. That’s going to stay forever,” he said.
“What I’m impressed the most with is the appreciation that they have in really being able to come every single day in front of the hotel, morning and evening, and wait for you, wish you luck, welcome you. For me that’s unusual because I don’t get to experience that in the other tournaments. I really respect that a lot and I feel the love, and try to return that as well,” he added.
Djokovic won the Shanghai Masters title on Sunday after he defeated Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina. He praised his opponent for putting of a good fight.
“No doubt about it. Since his first Grand Slam title in 2009, we all knew he has the caliber to be a top tennis player and always a contender to win any Grand Slam he plays in. With his serve and his game, for his height, he moves extremely well. He uses the court very good. He has very good anticipation. He’s really mentally strong.”
Novak Djokovic will be competing next at the Paris Masters later this month and afterwards will be gearing up for his title defense at the ATP World Tour Finals in November.
