“Dumplings and Chinese language” may just be what Novak Djokovic needs for 100th title

One would be hard pressed to find a player on either the ATP Tour or WTA Tour that’s had more success in China than Novak Djokovic.

Of his 99 career titles, 11 have come on Chinese soil—beginning with his 2008 Masters Cup (today known as the Nitto ATP Finals) triumph in Shanghai. So what’s the secret to his success, which includes an undefeated reign over six trips to Beijing?

“I love dumplings and Chinese language, I think that helps,” laughed Djokovic during his pre-tournament press conference at the Rolex Shanghai Masters.

Djokovic is set to compete in China for the first time in five years, having missed the return of last year’s Asian swing following his 24th major title run at the US Open. A four-time winner at the Qi Zhong Tennis Center, the 37-year-old’s early assessment of the conditions following a practice session with Zhang Zhizhen is that they haven’t changed much since his last appearance.

“I still think that the court is pretty fast. We discussed that, actually, players, yesterday and today on the court,” said Djokovic. “The balls are different, so the balls probably slow down the game a little bit. It’s still quite quick.”

He added, “You have to serve well, that’s a big advantage, so that’s what I’m personally working on.”

This event marks Djokovic’s first tournament since Alexei Popyrin ended his title defense in the third round of the New York major (in between appearances, the Serbian led his nation to a Davis Cup World Group 1 win over Greece). With time to prepare, Djokovic is hoping a sense of “freshness” will factor into his chances of lifting trophy No. 100.

“I just love playing here, love the conditions, love the support that I get, and I also have an extra motivation of trying to go for my 100th title,” the current world No. 4 says.

“I’m trying to improve daily on my practice sessions. I play a lot of practice points, games, sets, and get to the desired level, because I haven’t been playing too many tournaments lately, so I have some catching up to do with others.”

As seeded players receive opening byes in the 96-player draw, Djokovic will start his campaign against the winner of Alex Michelsen and Bu Yunchaokete.