And, for whatever reason, his stock in Asia is arguably where it is at its highest.
China in particular has been a happy hunting ground for the 39-year-old throughout his career, and upon his return this week, that form has remained despite a couple of hard-fought results.
Speaking after his latest win, he actually referenced that fanfare, as the China Open crowd shockingly pulled for him throughout his match despite facing a Chinese opponent.
Novak Djokovic shocked as China Open crowd support him over his Chinese opponent
Chatting with Tennis TV, just after Novak Djokovic had praised his opponent Yunchaokete Bu for a great match, he reiterated those comments whilst discussing the conditions.
Asked just how well he felt he had to play to turn the match around, he admitted: “Well, I had to play very well. I had to serve well in the right moment. It was quite a breeze from one end of the court. I played easier with wind in your back than wind facing you, so I think most of the breaks came, actually, from the side, where you played with the wind.
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“I mean, he was so solid. You know, I struggled to really find holes in his game. He was hitting his spots incredibly well with the serve and serve plus one, and he was mixing things up really well in the rallies, you know, from back on the court, with some short slices coming in, making me come in as well.
“So, credit to him for playing well. The atmosphere was amazing. Packed stadium again, three hours, almost midnight. What a match to be a part of.”
Then, speaking about the Chinese crowd cheering for him louder than the Chinese player, he added: “Yeah, I mean… I have to pinch myself.
“You know, I honestly did not expect that, you know, especially playing against a Chinese player. So I’m very, very thankful. Honestly, I don’t know what to say except that I’m very thankful to them and try to give them back with good performance on the court.”
Djokovic had been surprised by the China Open crowd in his first-round match, but this was another level of support, preferring him to their own hometown hero. That only proves how legendary he remains.
Yunchaokete Bu also spoke about Djokovic getting more support than him, but seemed accepting of it: “The number of Grand Slams he has won, he is No. 1 in history. Of course he deserves respect.
“I thought he deserved this.”
Why Novak Djokovic is making a mistake by trying to qualify for the ATP Finals
This marked the first time he had returned to Beijing since 2015, risking his perfect record of having won the event in all of his seven appearances.
It’s never nice to see this legendary figure struggle, but perhaps even more impressive to see him somehow keep winning.
However, it does feel like eventually, these kinds of performances cannot keep scoring victories.
That is why Novak Djokovic, if he truly wants to remain competitive and present at the apex of the ATP Tour, might want to think twice before doubling down on his goal for the end of the season.
Novak Djokovic reveals his goal to qualify for the ATP Finals this year
Speaking after his battling comeback victory over Yunchaokete Bu, Djokovic was asked what his plans for the rest of the year were.
His response might have surprised some, as he revealed: “I don’t have that super clear right now.
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“At the moment, I’m also not really qualified yet for the race, for Turin. I mean, this year I would like to play if I qualify. I’m planning also to play Paris, Bercy. Shanghai, I still don’t know. I need to see how I feel here, and then I’ll decide.”
Why Novak Djokovic should not push himself to play the ATP Finals
Whilst the Serbian likely views the ATP Finals as the last big event he might be able to win, it perhaps isn’t the best decision for him, especially considering his current condition.
After all, Djokovic recently revealed he’s been dealing with a health issue that has persisted since before the Cincinnati Open, where he suffered a shock first-round loss.
If this mystery problem persists, which it seems set to, perhaps pushing himself in the next few months might not be the smartest move, especially given his age.
Time catches up with everyone, and unfortunately for him, it seems to have crept up quickly.
2027 will almost certainly represent his last year where he can compete at the Grand Slams, and even then, it might be a stretch.
If he were to take it easy between now and the end of the year, Djokovic could return for the new campaign fully rested and ready to tackle the Australian Open with all of his might. After all, once the season starts and his body gets put under the usual stress of the tennis tour, his chances will surely diminish.
