Novak Djokovic is widely considered the greatest player ever, but no tournament announcer had said that until he walked out for his first match at the 2024 Shanghai Masters.
Fans in Shanghai have given Djokovic an incredible welcome during his first appearance since 2019. Some thought he may never return to the tournament he has won four times, more than any other man.
The Serbian has made it clear that his priorities at this late stage of his career are challenging for Grand Slams and representing Serbia. He said that when asked about the possibility of not qualifying for this year's ATP Finals.
Djokovic might have decided to return to the Shanghai Masters for two reasons. First, the seven-time ATP Finals champion may care more about qualifying for the year-end tournament than he said, and he wants to get the points to make it to the event in Turin.
The other factor might be the love that exists for Djokovic in Shanghai and China as a whole. He may have wanted to experience the support from the Chinese fans at least one more time before he hangs up his racket.
Despite making a slow start, Djokovic won his first match at the Shanghai Masters since 2019 against the big-serving Alex Michelsen. It was an entertaining contest that the former world No. 1 eventually came through 7-6, 7-6.
Djokovic and Michelsen's high level in their two sets was enough to generate attention. Michelsen is a highly talented 19-year-old with a big future in the sport, and he proved that throughout both sets.
However, the introduction he received as he walked onto the court was also a very notable part of his first appearance in Shanghai in five years. The announcer did everything possible to give the 23-time Grand Slam champion a fitting welcome as he entered the court.
As seen in the video below, the announcer refers to Djokovic as the greatest of all time, using emphasis as he speaks to indicate the enormity of the Serbian being called that as he enters the court.
Djokovic kept his composure in characteristic fashion when the announcer said those kind words, retaining a focused expression as he walked onto the court before smiling and waving to the fans as they cheered him loudly.
Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer are undoubtedly the three best players ever, but Djokovic's most Grand Slams, weeks at No. 1, and Masters 1000 titles make it hard for anyone to argue that he is the greatest.
The 10-time Australian Open winner did not speak about the announcer's kind words immediately after the match but analyzed the contest, including directing some nice words to Michelsen.
"It was the first match against Alex and I also hadn't played in a while, so it took me a little time to get the rust off. He started off terrifically; big serves and an aggressive style of tennis... he's not afraid to step it up and take it to his opponent."
"It was a very close encounter and I thought a high level of tennis in both sets. I'm just glad to keep calm when it mattered in the second-set tie-break.”