Djokovic Enters Shanghai Masters With Semifinal Benchmark as Coach Signals No Retirement Plans

Best-of-three matches are viewed as a better fit for his late-career profile.

Overview

Novak Djokovic will compete at the Shanghai Masters, joining leading contenders Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Former coach Simon Rea says a semifinal or better is a fair expectation in Shanghai, pointing to the best-of-three format.
His 2025 schedule has been selective, featuring a 100th ATP title in Geneva and semifinal runs at all four Grand Slams.
Coach Mark Knowles says he has heard Djokovic intends to play through 2026 and 2027 with no plans to retire.
Knowles and Djokovic acknowledge diminished top-end stamina, with Djokovic saying he has a better chance in best-of-three than best-of-five.