Novak Djokovic encourages junior players from the ASICS Junior Tennis Tour to pursue their dreams. Photo: Courtesy of ASICS

The 2024 ASICS Junior Tennis Tour Finals recently concluded in Shanghai. Coinciding with the Shanghai Masters, ASICS athlete Novak Djokovic made a surprise appearance at the ASICS Shanghai flagship store, marking his return to the Chinese court after five years. Through an inspirational dialogue, he encouraged young players to bravely pursue their dreams. With his remarkable influence in the tennis world, Djokovic joined forces with the brand to inspire more tennis enthusiasts. In the future, ASICS will continue to focus on developing original events and collaborating with top athletes to drive the growth of China's sports industry.

As a distinguished and active player with 24 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic won the gold medal during the 2024 Paris Olympics, achieving the coveted Golden Slam. During his appearance at the ASICS Shanghai flagship store, Djokovic had a heartfelt conversation with young Chinese players from the ASICS Junior Tennis Tour. This meeting reflected the brand's dedication to youth sports development, offering a unique opportunity for these players to engage with one of the world's top athletes. 

"The most important thing is finding balance, such as between technical training and physical fitness, and building a strong foundation for sustainable growth with professional guidance," said Djokovic. He shared valuable training advice based on his extensive experience, emphasizing the importance of maintaining passion for the sport. 

"Stay patient and move forward steadily; this will provide endless motivation on the road to your dreams."

Players from the 2024 ASICS Youth Tennis Tour Shanghai Finals pose for a group photo.

The event included a performance of a traditional Chinese shadow puppet show, during which attendees were invited to relive Djokovic's Grand Slam and Olympic victories. To welcome Djokovic's return to China and celebrate cultural exchanges, Dr Tsuyoshi Nishiwaki, chairman of ASICS China and senior managing director of ASICS Greater China, presented him with custom ceramic sneakers, commemorating his glorious moments on the court.

During the event, a reporter asked, "As a sneaker sponsor, how has ASICS' support improved your performance in past games?" Djokovic responded, "For tennis players, next to the racket, shoes are the most important piece of equipment. Having the right shoes is crucial, especially given the different movement styles. I have an aggressive style on the court - I slide a lot and rely on speed, balance, changes of direction, and acceleration. ASICS tennis shoes are the best in the world for me. I'm quite biased and subjective, but ASICS is known for its advanced technology, not only in tennis but also in running shoes, so I can confidently confirm that."

Regarding advice for young tennis players transitioning from entry level to professional development, Djokovic said, "There are many things I could share, but I think the most important is to stay passionate about what you do and keep connected to your love for tennis. Surround yourself with experts who have deep knowledge and experience in tennis - they can pass on valuable insights that will influence your growth. Also, try to balance your professional life with your personal life. This is especially important for young people, including school and everything that comes with it. Finding that balance is key, and keep in mind that you will change in two, five, or 10 years. Always stay open-minded and curious to discover what you need to implement in both your life and career to become the best version of yourself."

ASICS remains committed to empowering China's tennis industry through its involvement in tournaments. Since 2022, ASICS has hosted its own branded event, the ASICS Junior Tennis Tour, providing Chinese youth with access to world-class tournament platforms. In 2024, the event was officially upgraded to a "China Tennis Junior Tour" Category B event. In addition, ASICS, in collaboration with the Samaranch Foundation, created a tennis cultural exhibition to highlight key moments from Olympic tennis for the participating players.

ASICS has consistently focused on youth tennis through various initiatives, such as professional gear, dedicated tournaments, and scientific training guidance. Djokovic's visit to China not only provided valuable exchange opportunities for young players, but also fostered closer ties between Chinese and international tennis circles. 

Looking ahead, ASICS will continue its commitment to the sports and health sectors. By promoting its philosophy of physical and mental balance, offering a professional product lineup, and leveraging top-tier domestic and international sports assets, the brand aims to drive the development of Chinese tennis and enhance the cross-cultural exchange in sports.