Overview
- In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Novak Djokovic said he and Rafael Nadal were never friends, stressing that such ties are not possible between direct rivals.
- He recalled they went to dinner twice early in their careers but said a true bond never formed, adding he has seen Nadal more than his own mother over the past 15 years.
- Djokovic reaffirmed his respect for Nadal and Roger Federer and credited both with shaping his career, while noting he was not close to either off court.
- The 38-year-old lost 6-3, 6-4 in the Shanghai Masters semi-final to world No. 204 Valentin Vacherot after receiving on-court treatment for a back issue.
- Vacherot went on to defeat Arthur Rinderknech in the final to become the lowest-ranked player ever to win a Masters 1000 title.