Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Shanghai Masters – Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, Shanghai, China – October 9, 2026 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts during his round of 64 match against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz REUTERS/Tyrone Siu
Just days after lifting his 102nd career trophy in Beijing, the 39-year-old suffered his first-ever defeat against Hubert Hurkacz, and the result has now prompted the Serbian to reveal his plans for the remainder of the season. Djokovic lost 6-4, 6-3 to Hurkacz in the second round on Friday, October 9, ending a run of eight consecutive victories against the Polish player. 34 securing victory in 87 minutes after breaking Djokovic once in each set. Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Shanghai Masters – Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, Shanghai, China – October 9, 2026 Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz shakes hands with Serbia’s Novak Djokovic after winning his round of 64 match REUTERS/Tyrone Siu Hurkacz, who won the Shanghai title in 2023, acknowledged the significance of finally beating one of tennis’s greatest players after years of unsuccessful attempts. Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Shanghai Masters – Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, Shanghai, China – October 9, 2026 Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in action during his round of 64 match against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic REUTERS/Tyrone Siu Djokovic had little time to recover after his China Open triumph, having played six matches in nine days during a demanding run that included victories over three top-10 opponents on his way to the Beijing title. Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Shanghai Masters – Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, Shanghai, China – October 9, 2026 Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz interacts with Serbia’s Novak Djokovic after winning his round of 64 match REUTERS/Tyrone Siu Djokovic had arrived in Shanghai after capturing his seventh China Open title, extending his unbeaten record in Beijing to 34 matches. The Paris Masters main draw begins on November 2, giving Djokovic approximately 25 days away from ATP Tour competition following his Shanghai exit. Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news , check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule .
Because hurkacz gave him very few opportunities to put pressure on his serve, speaking after the defeat, Djokovic admitted that the match had proved difficult, particularly. “He just won Beijing, so it’s a very difficult task to play against him, but also it is a pleasure for me to share a court with him, to play such a legend of the sport.
It’s been unsuccessful but [he has been] such a great champion for so many years,” Hurkacz said. “Beijing was great and a very early exit here but it is ok,” Djokovic said. I am planning on only playing in Paris, so let’s see,” Djokovic said.
Novak Djokovic arrived in Shanghai riding the momentum of another title-winning week, but his stay at the Masters event ended far sooner than he would have hoped. The four-time Shanghai champion struggled to find his rhythm against Hurkacz’s powerful serve, with the world No. The defeat also marked Djokovic’s earliest-ever exit from the Shanghai Masters, where he received a first-round bye as the 10th seed. “It’s a special night. I’ve been playing Novak for like seven years. “I had a great week in Beijing and I look forward to resting a little bit and get ready for the indoors. “It is very difficult to return his serve, almost impossible. So yeah, I did not adjust and it was a really tough draw for me, playing him in the first match. His latest triumph also made him a tour-level singles champion for the 21st consecutive year, adding another milestone to an already extraordinary career. The Beijing title was his 102nd at tour level, coming after Alex de Minaur retired injured from the final. It was also only his second final of the season, following his runner-up finish at the Australian Open in February. “I would like to [play the Nitto ATP Finals]. “Hopefully I can have a good result there. Despite the early defeat, Djokovic can take considerable confidence from his Beijing performance, where he defeated Alexander Zverev and progressed past Daniil Medvedev after leading the Russian by a set and a break before Medvedev was defaulted. For now, his priority is recovery, with the Paris Masters offering the next opportunity to improve his position in the race to Turin and finish the season strongly. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
Djokovic has now indicated that he plans to rest before returning to competition at the Paris Masters in November, rather than adding further tournaments to his schedule before the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin.
“If you lose your serve, it is enough to lose the match, once per set, and that is what happened,” Djokovic said. The Serbian also explained how the match turned on a small number of crucial points, with a single break in each set enough for Hurkacz to take control.
Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Shanghai Masters – Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, Shanghai, China – October 9, 2026 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic leaves the court after losing his round of 64 match against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz REUTERS/Tyrone Siu A strong showing in Paris could therefore prove decisive as he attempts to secure another appearance at the season-ending tournament. The Serbian currently sits ninth in the race to Turin, leaving him outside the top eight places required to qualify for the ATP Finals.
