WATCH: Novak Djokovic surprised by 'chicken' label as Jannik Sinner, Frances Tiafoe & other stars learn their Chinese nicknames amid Shanghai Masters

Tennis stars Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Frances Tiafoe, and others were in for a surprise when they discovered their Chinese nicknames, courtesy of their Chinese fans. During the 2024 Shanghai Masters, ATP players took part in a fun promotional video where they reacted to these unique, and often amusing, nicknames that Chinese fans have been using for years.

The promotional video, featuring reactions from top players like Djokovic, Sinner, Tiafoe, Casper Ruud, Daniil Medvedev, Grigor Dimitrov, Andrey Rublev, and Alexander Zverev, showcased the creativity and affection of Chinese fans who have coined these nicknames based on the players’ names or characteristics.

In the video, Djokovic revealed that his Chinese nickname is "Chicken," a term used to describe someone who is hot and in-form, akin to a new sensation. The Serb, amused by the explanation, remarked:

"OK, now it makes sense. Thank you."

Dimitrov, on the other hand, was surprised by his nickname "My lady," while Zverev found humor in being called "Zi Wei," a name shared with a famous Chinese TV series character.

Medvedev’s reaction was particularly entertaining as he learned that his moniker "Long arm monkey" reflected his playing style and his ability to reach for the ball. Ruud, who trained at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy, was dubbed "Headmaster’s good student." Andrey Rublev, with his blonde hair and charming looks, was nicknamed "Golden monkey," a moniker that even Medvedev found amusing, saying:

"Golden monkey, I love it. That’s how I’m going to call him now, for sure."

Tiafoe was pleased with his nickname "Big Fortune" or "Blessing," while Sinner was honored to be called "Milk Roll Cake," after a famous cake brand called Yannick. The Italian expressed his gratitude, and said:

"I feel honored."

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Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Frances Tiafoe push forward at the 2024 Shanghai Masters

Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic at the Nitto ATP Finals (Image source: Getty)

Four-time Shanghai champion Novak Djokovic returned to the Shanghai Masters after a five-year hiatus, aiming for his 100th ATP title. The Serb, seeded fourth, received a bye into the second round. In his opening match, Djokovic faced Alex Michelsen and secured a hard-fought victory with two tiebreak sets, 7-6(3), 7-6(9). This win marked his 10th appearance at the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 event.

Djokovic’s next challenge is against 28th seed Flavio Cobolli on October 8. A win here would set up a potential Round of 16 clash with either 13th seed Frances Tiafoe or Roman Safiullin.

Top seed Jannik Sinner, on the other hand, has been in exceptional form. After receiving a bye into the second round, Sinner faced Taro Daniel and won 6-1, 6-4. In the third round, Sinner overcame a tough challenge from 31st seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry, winning 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-2.

Sinner’s next match in the Round of 16 will be against either Roberto Carballes Baena or 14th seed Ben Shelton on October 9.

Meanwhile, Frances Tiafoe’s campaign at the Shanghai Masters has seen mixed results. In doubles, Tiafoe and his partner Alexander Bublik were defeated in the first round by Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Santiago Gonzalez, losing 2-6, 2-6.

However, Tiafoe has shown resilience in singles. As the 13th seed, he received a bye into the second round and then defeated Chinese wildcard Zhou Yi 6-2, 6-4. Tiafoe will face Roman Safiullin on October 8 for a place in the Round of 16.