Legendary Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic mocked former world number one Roger Federer as an “old man” as the pair met again at the Shanghai Masters. The ATP 1000 tournament is coming to an end as the remaining players give it their all to secure the ultimate prize.
Former world number one Federer, who retired from tennis in 2022 after struggling with form and fitness problems, returned to the court after more than two years and played an exhibition match. Djokovic took aim at his former rival in a video that surfaced on social media as the two met in the players’ arena during the tournament. The Serb called him an “old man.”
The two players have had a fantastic rivalry in the past. The two players met 50 times in professional tennis, and Djokovic had a slight advantage with 27 wins and 23 losses. The last meeting between the two was at the Australian Open in 2020, and the Belgrade-born star prevailed in three sets 7-6, 6-4, 6-3. Federer ended his playing career with 20 Grand Slam titles. He was the first player to win more than 15 major titles in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category in the Open era. He also became the first to win 20 Grand Slam men’s singles titles.
Djokovic, on the other hand, who is still playing at the highest level, is considered the greatest player in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category. He has won 24 Grand Slam titles in his illustrious career. The 37-year-old is currently taking part in the Shanghai Masters, where he secured a place in the semi-finals with a 6:7, 6:1, 6:4 win against Jakub Mensik. There he will face the American Taylor Fritz, who secured his place in the last four with a 6:3, 6:4 win against the Belgian David Goffin in straight sets.
