Instagram/@djokernole
Novak Djokovic has shared his heartfelt thanks to the city, congratulated the tournament winner who beat him, and at the same time, posted his emotional message when he left the Shanghai competition. The legend of tennis highlighted his closeness to the Shanghai fans and his sportsmanship towards the player who had beaten him.
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Novak Djokovic’s last post on social media was a reflection of the champion’s heart, showing that he could appreciate the game even if it was not his victory. The 24-time Grand Slam winner said a touching goodbye to Shanghai after the unexpected tournament run, first in English and then in Chinese to be closer to the local audience. His message was very impactful because it was just after a loss, yet it was all about gratitude and respect, not about being disappointed.
“Shanghai, you will always have my heart,” Djokovic said and added the Chinese characters meaning “Thank you for everything” right after. The use of two languages in his post was a way of showing that he wanted to personally interact with the Chinese tennis lovers who have been supporting him throughout his career, both in good and bad times.
What was more, the post impressed everyone when Vacherot, a rising Monegasque player whom Novak lost to, got acknowledged by the sportsman. “@valvacherot and this is definitely your moment,” he tweeted. “What an unbelievable performance you had and Monaco is so proud of you. Good luck in the final.” That was a public salute to the younger rival, explicitly including best wishes in French, which really portrayed the sportsmanship that has been one of the defining features of Djokovic’s career.
Tennis fans reacted emotionally and with enthusiasm right away. The comments section became a place where admiration posts from all over the world were left, and many were saying that it is precisely in the moments of defeat that Djokovic’s character shines the brightest. One fan even put it extremely well: “Look how he makes it all about the man who just beat him. That is why he is my GOAT.” This statement illustrates one of the features that people find astonishing in Djokovic—his ability to acknowledge others’ victories immediately after suffering his own.
He may have lost, but his international fans’ loyalty remained intact. A Spanish-speaking fan commented: “De pie señores que el mejor se despide de asia” (“Stand up gentlemen the best says goodbye to Asia”), while another said: “Eres todo un caballero te admiro mucho como tu muy pocos” (“You are a true gentleman I admire you greatly there are very few like you”). These reactions in different languages proved the global appeal of Djokovic and the universal acceptance of his kindness.
Some observers noted that while Djokovic’s commendable character was being showcased, one of the most important traits of his personality (Respect) was also highlighted, thus the victory of @valvacherot. To put it differently, one observer associated the young player’s success with the sportsmanship that the great champion has been embodying and promoting in tennis. Another fan, this time writing in Serbian, commented: “Samo jedan čovek na svetu ima srce kao ti” (“Only one man in the world has a heart like yours”), thus pointing to the qualities that attract him to fans while overlooking the athletic prowess.
The emotional attachment Djokovic feels for his fans was very much manifested when they responded to him from all corners of the world: “Thank you for showing gratitude, respect and love to the Shanghai fans who turned out in droves just to get a glimpse of you,” wrote one fan from China acknowledging the win-win situation of the player and the audience. Another fan voiced his community role by stating: “You are always the magic miracle marvel.. it’s a privilege to be your fan.”
Most of the comments were overwhelmingly positive, but the post did get some negative reactions as well, among which was the claim of one user that he is “milking the situation for all it’s worth” and that “trying to win over hearts that your attitude and gamesmanship have lost all these years.” This view, though, is quite opposite to the general public’s friendly opinion, however, it still shows that even a player of Djokovic’s level is subject to different opinions with criticism being outweighed by endorsement and admiration.
A considerable number of fans were already concerned about the physical condition of Djokovic after the match, and one German man even said: “I hope you are not seriously injured. You can’t recover in 4 days.” His concern for Djokovic’s health reflects the large emotional investment of the fans in his long career and win.
Throughout the whole reactions it was appreciation of Djokovic’s character from the downside of the game that dominated the thoughts of most people. First, the star decided to congratulate his opponent and then to thank the city hosting the tournament, which is an indicator of an athlete who understands that his role goes beyond winning matches. To make it clear, one fan said: “Podrska u svakom tvom opusu, poraz preoblikovan posebnom porukom i, gestom i postovanjem prema fanovima, ponekad je vredniji od pehara” (“Support in every your endeavor, defeat transformed by special message and, gesture and respect toward fans, is sometimes more valuable than the trophy”).
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Ultimately, the farewell from Shanghai told us why he was and still is one of the most respected figures in tennis-the fact that he could treat both wins and losses with the same level of class, continues to earn him praise from fans and players alike. His post-tournament message serves as a reminder that the real champions double their wins not only through their trophies but also by their manners in case the game does not go their way. Recently, Djokovic teased a mysterious New York project, and he also appeared in a regal Lacoste campaign. Additionally, his new Asics Court FF 3 Novak shoes launched across Asia, and he threw the first pitch at a New York Yankees game.