Novak Djokovic paid homage to the “unconditional” support of enthusiastic Chinese fans on Thursday as his love affair with China deepened at the Shanghai Masters.
Djokovic, again wearing China’s beloved red, beat Feliciano Lopez 6-2, 6-3 for yet another win in a country where he has only lost one of his past 35 matches.
His success has brought adoration as Chinese fans wait for hours outside hotels to see the world number one, with one even giving himself a Serbian name and learning Serbia’s national anthem.
China definitely knows how to treat the top players. They give us this unconditional, really, love and support
And the feeling is mutual as Djokovic, who continues to be outshone by the ever-popular Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in some other countries around the world, soaks up the acclaim.
“I wouldn’t call it crazy. I think they’re very enthusiastic every step of the way. They show their appreciation for what you do. They’re very loyal,” the 10-time grand slam-winner said.
“We don’t get to experience this kind of treatment from the fans many places around the world,” he added.
