Novak Djokovic has confirmed his return to the tennis court this month in what will be his first tournament since his semi-final defeat at the US Open
Jack McEachen and Fasika Zelealem Senior Sports Reporter
12:30, 01 Oct 2025
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Novak Djokovic has confirmed he’ll be taking part in the Shanghai Masters, following his reported move to Greece with his family. The Serbian tennis ace hadn’t played professionally since his semi-final defeat at the US Open.
Following his loss at Flushing Meadows, Djokovic and his family have reportedly relocated to Athens, according to Tennis24. His two children, Stefan, 10, and Tara, eight, are said to have been enrolled at St. Lawrence College, a private British school, while the family have settled in the Southern Suburbs.
The tennis icon has been spotted around the area, including hitting the court with his son at the Kavouri Tennis Club. It’s believed that the Djokovic family moved from Belgrade, Serbia, amid allegations that he was targeted by the government after showing support for student-led protests against President Aleksandar Vucic last December.
While Djokovic hasn’t publicly criticised the government or president, it’s emerged that he planned to relocate his family to Greece through the Golden Visa programme, which offers residency to non-EU citizens who invest in the country.
His future had been uncertain following the move, but Djokovic’s participation in the Shanghai Masters has now been confirmed and he is officially in the draw.
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The seasoned player could be set for a potential showdown with world No. 2 and defending champion Jannik Sinner, who Djokovic could face in the semi-final. Djokovic was defeated by Sinner in the final four of both the French Open and Wimbledon this year.
He enters the tournament as the fourth seed and will play Marin Cilic in his opening match, before a potential third-round tie with Frances Tiafoe, Andrey Rublev waiting in the fourth round and a possible quarter-final against Ben Shelton or Casper Ruud.
Novak Djokovic will take on Marin Cilic in the opening round of the Shanghai Masters (Image: Getty)
On the other side of the draw, Carlos Alcaraz can face Alexander Zverev in the opposite semi-final. Djokovic has struggled to overcome Alcaraz and Sinner in 2024, but vowed to keep fighting after his US Open exit.
“It will be very difficult for me in the future to overcome the hurdle of Sinner, Alcaraz, in the best-of-five on the Grand Slams,” Djokovic admitted. “I think I have a better chance in best-of-three, but best-of-five, it’s tough.
“I’m not giving up on Grand Slams in that regard, having said that. I’m going to continue fighting and trying to get to the finals and fight for another trophy at least. But, you know, it’s going to be a very difficult task.”
The Serb has reportedly relocated to Greece with his family(Image: MIGUEL MEDINA, AFP via Getty Images)
It was in May when the Serb captured his most recent title, and also his 100th, at the Geneva Open when besting Hubert Hurkacz in three sets.
He became just the third man after Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer to capture a century or more tournament victories in the Open Era, which occurred just two days after turning 38 years old.
After the match, he said in an on-court interview: “I’m just grateful to clinch the 100 here, I had to work for it, that is for sure.” He’ll surely hope to make it 101 singles titles to his name in Shanghai this month.