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"It was staged very well": Novak Djokovic goes full tourist in fun Shanghai photo shoot

The 24-time major winner is embracing content creation that is a "little bit different from what I've done throughout my career."

ByBaseline Staff

Published Oct 08, 2024

INTERVIEW: Novak Djokovic felt "pretty sharp" following straight set blowout over Flavio Cobolli in Shanghai

Novak Djokovic is welcoming the lighter moments of tour life at this stage of his career.

So much so that he stepped out in the busy streets of Shanghai for a photo shoot to commemorate his latest trip to China.

The 24-time major winner is in town for the Rolex Shanghai Masters, an event he’s won a record four times. On Tuesday, Djokovic secured his place in the round of 16 by brushing aside Flavio Cobolli, 6-1, 6-2.

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Afterwards, the Serbian was asked by press about how he managed to complete the photo-op without being mobbed by fans.

“It was staged very well, I would say,” laughed Djokovic. “We took the photos very quickly.

“The longer we were there, the more people would start recognizing, and it would be becoming a little bit challenging… We kind of wanted to do it where there's most people.”

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Djokovic rocked a bright blue Lacoste sleeveless sweater and comfortable trousers for the outing. The 37-year-old says he is now making the most of opportunities to channel his inner tourist and the “good vibes” that come with soaking up local surroundings.

“I'm enjoying myself doing these kind of photo shoots and contents that are a little bit different from what I've done throughout my career,” he explained. “Embracing the fashion and these off-court activities that really bring kind of good and joyful emotions to me.

“I always had tremendous success, both Beijing and Shanghai. It is definitely due to incredible love and respect and support I'm getting from the Chinese people. My connection is very profound, and five years has been a very long period of not coming to China, so I will do my best to come back next year.”

The No. 4 seed is competing in China for the first time since 2019. In reflecting on his latest excursion, Djokovic was excited to uncover a happy accident at one of the locations he posed at.

“China has incredible history and tradition and culture, so we (tried) to combine that with kind of a modern touch and I hope people like it. It was fun because, we didn't know at the time, but one of the photos was done in front of the sign that actually meant hot pot. I think it was quite fitting for me, sleeveless, to be in front of that sign,” he shared.

In his next match, Djokovic takes on Roman Safiullin. The Russian battled past 13th seed Frances Tiafoe in a deciding tiebreaker.

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