Novak Djokovic sent a cheeky jibe the way of fellow tennis legend Roger Federer after booking his place in the final of the Shanghai Masters.

Having reached the final of all four Grand Slams last year, winning all but three, hopes were high for Djokovic heading into the 2024 campaign.

But through a combination of off-field issues, like having to change his coach mid-season, and injury niggles and knocks, it hasn’t been the year the Serb would’ve hoped for.

It’s the first campaign since 2017 that Djokovic hasn’t picked up a Grand Slam title, with the record holder still on the lookout for his 25th major win.

There was a gold-laden trip to Paris in the middle of the season, as Djokovic ended his career-long wait to top the Olympic podium, but on the ATP Tour, things haven’t exactly gone to plan.

However, the 37-year-old appears hellbent on finishing the year on a high and booked his spot in the final of one of the year’s final events in Shanghai.

Djokovic saw off US Open finalist Taylor Fritz in straight sets in the semi-final, setting up a mouth-watering final against the man who beat the American at the Arthur Ashe Stadium last month, Jannik Sinner.

Taking to social media to celebrate his victory, Djokovic posted: “Shanghai, you have my heart [love heart hands emoji].

“Not too bad for an old guy. Bring on the final,” coupled with a strong arm and Chinese flag emoji.

The ‘old guy’ remark comes after Federer, who is six years his senior, tormented Djokovic during a chance meeting at the Shanghai Masters earlier this week.

Spotting him as he was walking through the corridor, Federer greeted Djokovic by saying: “Old man,” a clear tongue-in-cheek shout, but a cheeky one nonetheless.

He might end up feeling his age when he takes to the court against the all-conquering Sinner, who is a whopping 14 years younger than the record Grand Slam winner.

Djokovic has admitted at this ‘stage of his career’ it does take him longer to recover from the high-intensity matches.

Commenting after his Fritz victory, Djokovic said: “I had some issues on the court – physically – here today but managed to overcome it.

“It always takes it out of me, particularly towards the end of the tournament and at this stage of my career I’m doing my best to recover.”