Today: 2 June 2025
16 October 2024
2 mins read

Red For Luck: Djokovic’s Keeps China Tradition Alive

Novak Djokovic says, “I wear red as a respect to Chinese culture and tradition. Hopefully, red brings luck.”

Dressed in red from jersey to shoes, 37-year-old Novak Djokovic paid tribute to all the fans at Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena and wrote different Chinese characters on the camera lens after winning a match, continuing his routine of showing love for China at the ATP Shanghai Masters.

Djokovic told the press that the whole world knows the red colour represents China. “I do it intentionally. I wear red as a respect to Chinese culture and tradition. Hopefully, red brings luck. I’ve been playing well in red, so I keep the tradition going,” he said.

Though losing to world No.1 Jannik Sinner in the final of the Shanghai Masters on Sunday, Djokovic proved he still has competitiveness in high-level events, reports Xinhua.

“My main motivation comes from a lot of passion for the sport and also the desire to keep competing. There are kinds of matches and challenges that I still strive for being in a position to play against the best players in the world on the biggest stage of the finals of the biggest tournaments,” he said.

Having clinched four Shanghai Masters titles, Djokovic has made his name a legend among Chinese fans. “It’s been five years, coming back to one of the happiest places I’ve had in my career, a country where I had plenty of success on the tennis courts, many titles won, great memories,” Djokovic said.

The great support from the fans in China has left a strong impression on the Serbian star. “They are probably the most unique, the most passionate fans and so dedicated, daily waiting for you and really feeding you with a lot of love and energy,” he noted.

Djokovic has also paid close attention to the development of tennis in China. As the Paris Olympic champion for men’s singles, Djokovic revealed he is a “big fan” of Zheng Qinwen, who claimed gold in the women’s singles, making history for China.

“She’s so young. She made China proud this year at the Olympic Games. She brought the gold medal, I think first ever in tennis for China, so it’s a big deal. She’s a great person and a really good player that keeps on improving. We have a nice relationship off the court, and when we have a chance, we chat,” said Djokovic, adding that he is available to Zheng anytime she wants his advice.

Djokovic also described Zhang Zhizhen as “the most successful male Chinese player.” “He’s climbing the rankings, and he’s helping also other players to believe that they can get to the high rankings,” Djokovic said.

The tennis legend is optimistic about the future of Chinese tennis. “I think the Chinese mentality is such that, when they are dedicated to something, they’re really dedicated to something, you can see that working hard is not an issue here. I’m really happy and excited to see how Chinese tennis will grow in the future,” Djokovic noted.

ALSO READ: Samson Shines Bright When It Matters Most

Previous Story

Rohit Focuses on Team Resilience

Next Story

GITEX showcases cybersecurity, AI technologies

Latest from Sport

Mohammed honours football champions

Ruler of Dubai hails players as role models during palace reception His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, received the

Big Gains for England Stars

England’s Joe Root retains the No.1 Test batter spot, but Harry Brook is just 15 rating points behind after a brisk 58 against Zimbabwe in Nottingham. A massive batting display against Zimbabwe

Deshpande Set for England

IPL 2025 marked Deshpande’s return, and despite modest returns (9 wickets in 10 games at 10.63 economy), Mumbai bowling consultant Kulkarni backs him to thrive in England with the Dukes ball. There

Rocky Joins Lions, Woakes Back

Headlining the selection is the return of veteran pacer Chris Woakes and the debut call-up for Rocky Flintoff, son of former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff. England Lions have announced a strong 14-member

‘Hitman’ Calls Test Time

Despite starting his Test career with a bang, Rohit suffered a middling time in his Test career, which mirrored how his initial phase as a white-ball player was and failed to cement
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Djokovic back to form, reaches semi-finals of the Serbia Open

After working through some early struggles and coming to grips

Djokovic fined for smashing racket

Umpire Fergus Murphy promptly issued Djokovic a warning for a