(Video) Novak Djokovic gives a warm hug to ‘Titan’ Carlos Alcaraz as the duo discuss their drastically different career paths after the Paris Olympics

Novak Djokovic AND Carlos Alcaraz reunited backstage at the Shanghai Masters. The pair shared a warm hug, reminding fans of their recent rivalry. Djokovic is playing in his first tournament since the US Open, and Alcaraz is fresh off winning the China Open.

Djokovic has played fewer tournaments than any other player in the top 10 this season and does not have a title. Alcaraz, on the other hand, flourished this season, winning four titles. The duo met twice this season. The first came in the Wimbledon final, where Alcaraz stopped Djokovic from winning the title for an eighth time.

They met again two weeks later at the final of the Olympic Games in Paris. At the time, Djokovic meant business and took revenge on the Spaniard. He won his elusive gold medal and became the oldest men’s athlete to win the medal. The last tournament in which both stars played took place during the US Open.

Both suffered shocking early exits from the Grand Slam tournament. The duo reunited backstage at the Shanghai Masters draw. During the conversation, Djokovic noted how many more tournaments Alcaraz had played compared to him.

Novak Djokovic called Carlos Alcaraz a “little titan” during the conversation. Alcaraz remarked, “You’re on the court too much, I’m off the court,” to which Djokovic replied with a laugh, “I’m enjoying my time off the court, man.” Alcaraz then checked in and asked, “Are you okay?”

Listen to Novak affectionately call Alcaraz “Titan.”
Novak sees greatness in Alcaraz.
Novak’s charm, respect and love for others is even greater than his records.

This is an aura.pic.twitter.com/TzGuqD25VE

— So Dragon Slayer (@djokernoler) October 5, 2024

After leaving the race, the world number 4 confirmed that he was doing well. Fans can’t wait to see them face to face on the court at the Shanghai Masters.

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz start their Shanghai Masters campaign with victories

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz started their Shanghai Masters campaign with their first victories. Djokovic saved two match points in the second-set tiebreak to defeat the American Alex Michelsen 7-6(3), 7-6(9). It was the Serb’s first victory on tour since losing to Alexei Popyryn in the US Open.

Alcaraz recorded his 10th victory in a row after overtaking the 19-year-old Shang Juncheng China. The Spaniard won 6-2, 6-2 and advanced to the third round. The 21-year-old is in excellent form and won his fourth championship title at the China Open this season.

Djokovic will face both Flavio Cobolli Or Stan Wawrinka in the next round, Alcaraz will face another Chinese player, Wu Yibing. Alcaraz is the favorite to win the Shanghai Masters after winning the China Open. However, Djokovic won the Shanghai title four times and always showed his love for the tournament.