Novak Djokovic has admitted he is unsure what next year will bring in terms of his schedule but has expressed he wants to keep playing.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner hopes to return to China to play in 2025 as he attributes his success in the country to the “incredible love, respect and support” he receives.

Djokovic defeated world number 30 Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 6-2 in the third round of the 2024 Shanghai Masters on Tuesday.

The 37-year-old is aiming for a record-breaking fifth title at the ATP Masters 1000 event and a 12th overall title in China.

The Serbian icon is a six-time champion at the China Open in Beijing, while he also won his first ATP Finals title in Shanghai in 2008.

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Djokovic was asked about the possibility of this being his last tournament appearance in China and whether that prospect compels him to perform particularly well this year.

“Well, I always want to do very well in China and I think my results so far are a testament to how I feel in China,” Djokovic said in his press conference after defeating Cobolli.

“I have always had great success, both in Beijing and Shanghai. This is definitely due to the incredible love, respect and support I receive from the Chinese people.

“So my connection is very deep and five years of not coming to China was a very long time, so I will do my best to come back next year.

“I don’t know what next year will bring in terms of my schedule, etc. I know I still want to keep playing.

“I have to see where I am in my life with my body and everything, but I still have plans to carry on like I have in years past and prioritize the biggest events.”

“However, I would still like to make my annual trip to China, at least for a tournament, because of the incredible energy and love I feel here.”

The world No. 4 also spoke about his recovery between matches after his third-round contest was delayed due to heavy rain in Shanghai on Sunday and Monday.

“Yeah, I mean, I feel good. I think the advantage of not playing many tournaments is that you are fresh,” explained Djokovic.

“So I don’t mind playing long games every day, whatever it takes. I’ve recovered pretty well, and like you said, a few days without fighting helps the body too.

“Yeah, maybe it’s not ideal, you don’t want to take too long breaks when you’re already in the tournament because of the game and the feeling you have with the racket in your hands.

“Yeah, I’m happy with the way I was able to recover from that hard-fought win in the first round, I mean, the win in the second round, in the first game. So I’m looking forward to tomorrow, I feel good about my game and about myself.”

Djokovic will face Roman Safiullin in the round of 16 in Shanghai on Wednesday.

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