"I did come here with desire" - Novak Djokovic on eying record 100th career title at Shanghai Masters final against 'best player' Jannik Sinner

Novak Djokovic stands on the cusp of more tennis history as he looks to become the third man in tennis history to win 100 ATP career titles. He will join Jimmy Connors, 109, and Roger Federer, 103, if he manages to defeat Jannik Sinner in the final of the 2024 Shanghai Masters.

Djokovic has had an underwhelming 2024 season, albeit by his standards. He finally won the elusive gold medal at the Paris Olympics but failed to win a single Grand Slam for the first time since 2017. However, it seems that the Serb has found his mojo back at the Shanghai Masters, where he is a four-time champion.

After receiving a bye in the first round courtesy of being the fourth seed, he kicked off his campaign with a win against Alex Michelsen, following which he knocked out the 28th seed Flavio Cobolli and Roman Safiullin in subsequent rounds. He was troubled by 19-year-old Jakub Mensik in the quarterfinals but eventually prevailed. The former World No. 1 then defeated seventh seed Taylor Fritz 6-4, 7-6(6) to set up a mouthwatering final against World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.

During the post-match interview, the 37-year-old was questioned about his thoughts on having a shot at winning 100 career titles on Sunday. Djokovic expressed his gratitude for the immense success and overwhelming support he has received from Chinese fans throughout his career.

“I obviously came to Shanghai after 5 years of not playing in China, the place where I’ve always had great success.. both in Shanghai and Beijing tournaments. Many titles and great battles and great performances. I’ve said it many times, the support I’m getting here is tremendous and incredible, I’m very grateful. That creates an energy that keeps me going and keeps me running," he said.

The 24-time Major champion then said that he had hopes to reach the milestone of 100 titles in Shanghai, adding that he was ready to take on the World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who he referred to as the 'best player' in the world.

"I did come here this year with a vision or desire to get to the final and fight for a 100th title. I get that chance against the best player in the world. Let’s see what happens,” he said.

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Novak Djokovic will look to exact Jannik Sinner for his semifinal defeat at Australian Open 2024

In Picture: Novak Djokovic (Source: Getty)

During the Australian Open this year, Jannik Sinner stunned Novak Djokovic 6-1, 6-2, (6)6-7, 6-3 in the semifinals, following which the Italian went on to clinch the title. This was the Serb's first loss at the Melbourne Major since 2017.

The Serb, however, leads the head-to-head between the two men 4-3. He had won the first three matches but Sinner turned the table at the 2023 Nitto ATP finals when he defeated the 37-year-old in a brutal three-set thriller. Djokovic got his revenge in the finals but the Italian claimed another victory against the Serb at the 2023 Davis Cup Finals. This was followed by their Australian Open battle.

Sinner will play Novak Djokovic for the first time since becoming the World No. 1. While the Serb will look to win his 100th title, the Italian will be going for a phenomenal seventh title of the season at the Shanghai Masters.