Novak Djokovic is about to start his run in Shanghai against Denis Shapovalov.
The world no.1 seems to have fully recovered from the shoulder injury that he suffered in September that made him retire from the US Open when he faced Stan Wawrinka in the 4th round.
After a 3 weeks’ break, the Serbian sensation was back in full steam in Tokyo where he won the local ATP500 without conceding a single set on the way. Novak also commented that he was pleasantly surprised by the fact that he was able to play in Japan. He feels he is not completely out of the woods with his injury, but things are getting better and better.
H2H Novak Djokovic vs. Denis Shapovalov
The world no.1 will face Denis Shapovalov in his first match in Shanghai where he will try to defend his title.
Novak and Denis played each other 2 times. The head to head is 2-0 for Djokovic. The last time that they squared off, Novak Djokovic won 6-1 6-3 in the 2nd round in Rome on the 16th of May 2019.
Chasing Nadal for the world no.1 rank
Even if Nole is still leading the rankings, he is still 1460 points behind Rafael Nadal in the year to date rankings. This means that he needs to win the Rolex Masters in Shanghai to get 1000pts and get closer to the Spaniard for the final contention.
Novak Djokovic’s ranking and performance in 2019
Currently the world no.1, Djokovic played his last match on the 6th of October when he beat John Millman 6-3 6-2 in the final in Tokyo to win his 76th career title.
This year Novak has a 46-8 win-loss record. The Serbian has won 4 titles in 2019 at the Australian Open, in Madrid, in Wimbledon and in Tokyo. Novak was the finalist in Rome.
Shapovalov in Shanghai, ranking, and results in 2019
Ranked no.36, Denis has a 25-22 win-loss record in 2019. Denis is in Shanghai where he beat Frances Tiafoe 6-4 6-2.
Shapovalov will take on Djokovic in the 2nd round. The head to head is 2-0 for Djokovic.
The last time that they competed against each other, Djokovic won 6-1 6-3 in the 2nd round in Rome in 16th May 2019.
