Novak Djokovic to Roger Federer: It’s the first time I’m playing in front of you

Novak Djokovic turned to Roger Federer, who, in the company of Carlos Alcaraz, watched the final of the Serbian in Shanghai against Jannik Sinner. The Italian tennis star and world’s number one defeated the 24-time Grand Slam champion by 2-0 (7:6(4), 6:4) to beat him for the third time in a row and the fourth time in their last five matches.

“I’m not used to seeing you in the stands and not on the court. I think it’s the first time I’m playing in front of you. It was extra pressure. I wish you were down there playing with us”, said Novak Djokovic to a smiling Federer, who with a nod confirmed that was indeed watching him from the stands for the first time.

Otherwise, Jannik Sinner repeated the achievement of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, because in one season he won the Australian Open, the US Open and at least three ATP Masters 1000 titles. Roger Federer did the same in 2006, and Novak Djokovic in 2011 and 2015.

Novak Djokovic was close for winning his 100th career ATP title, but following an injury in the semi-final against Taylor Fritz and facing the world’s number one player, lost in straight sets.