Opinion: Could this be Novak Djokovic’s last best chance to win Masters 1000 event?

One of the biggest stories at the 2025 Shanghai Masters is what has happened to the top three seeds. The world number one Carlos Alcaraz of Spain, withdrew from the Shanghai Masters after winning the Japan Open because of an ankle injury. The world number two Jannik Sinner of Italy withdrew from his third round match against Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands because of leg cramps and extreme difficulty just walking, and the world number three Alexander Zverev of Germany was upset in the third round by Arthur Rinderknech of France, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

That leaves the top seed left in the tournament is Novak Djokovic of Serbia, the fourth seed. Even though Djokovic has won his first two matches in China, it has not been easy. In the second round, he beat the 2014 United States Open champion Marin Cilic of Croatia 7-6, 6-4. Then in the third round, Djokovic actually threw up twice on the court but still beat Yannick Hanfmann of Germany 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, in a Pete Sampras-like performance.

In all seriously, at age 38, this could be Djokovic’s last best chance of winning a significant tennis tournament. He does not have to deal with a difficult five setter at a major, and does not have to battle the power that the top three bring.

Djokovic has great success in the past at Shanghai, where he is a three-time champion. He was victorious in 2012, 2013 and 2015. In the fourth round, Djokovic will face Jaume Munar of Spain. Djokovic won their only prior meeting. That came in the second round of the 2018 French Open, which Djokovic won 7-6, 6-4, 6-4.