Novak Djokovic sent a classy message to Roger Federer after the Swiss star watched his defeat to Jannik Sinner at the Shanghai Masters on Sunday.
The Serb went into the contest hoping to beat his Italian rival, who won the Australian Open and US Open earlier this year.
But Djokovic was comprehensively outclassed, with Sinner winning 7-6, 6-3.
It was a disappointing day for the former world No 1, who was watched by Federer and Carlos Alcaraz as he crashed to defeat.
Novak Djokovic sent a classy message to Roger Federer after the Swiss star watched his defeat to Jannik Sinner at the Shanghai Masters on Sunday
REUTERS
Speaking after his failure to overcome Sinner, Djokovic then sent a classy message to Federer.
He said he wished the 43-year-old was on court with them, rather than watching in the stands.
And Djokovic also thanked his former rival for taking the time to watch the action unfold.
“It's nice to see you Roger. I’m not used to seeing you in the stands," said the 37-year-old.
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"I wish you were here on court playing with us.
"It’s probably the first time that I’m playing in front of you, so I had an added pressure.
"It’s great. Carlos as well. Juan Carlos as well. Thank you for coming out and being a part of this match."
Sinner looks to be the man to beat in tennis these days. The Italian is the world No 1 and looked in cruise control as he overcame Djokovic.
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Like his opponent, the 23-year-old opted to hail Federer and joked he was just trying to 'keep up' with the legends in attendance.
"You know, seeing there are three legends, and I played against another, so you know I see legends everywhere," he added.
"I just try to keep up a little bit."
Meanwhile, speaking before the contest in China, Federer expressed a belief that there was currently a 'changing of the guard' going on.
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Novak Djokovic to Roger Federer in Shanghai:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 13, 2024
“I wish you were down here playing with us” ❤️
From one legend to another… wholesome.
🐐🐐
pic.twitter.com/Sc50g1ZLbE
The Swiss maestro, who won 20 Grand Slams before retiring two years ago, also congratulated Djokovic on winning Olympic gold back in the summer.
"You can feel the changing of the guard," he remarked.
"Serena Williams retired, Murray retired and Rafa is getting closer and closer.
"Novak had a tough year overall, but then he won the gold medal at the Olympics and achieved what he wanted. It was incredible for him to achieve that.
Novak Djokovic was no match for Jannik Sinner in their Shanghai Masters showdown on Sunday
REUTERS
"You feel everything changing.
"Sinner and Alcaraz have won two Slams each, which shows that changes are happening. They are both very consistent and it's great to watch them play.
"It was impressive to see Alcaraz live at the Laver Cup. He's an incredible player and I think people will enjoy watching them."
