Novak Djokovic went to Old-School on Friday evening with his tactics at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, where he conquered Marin Cilic 7-6 (2), 6-4 to start his bid for a record-spending fifth title.
Djokovic channeled his inner Ivan Lendl and sprinkled sawdust on his hands to fight the humidity, which made him trouble retaining a grip. He also absorbed the heavy artillery from Cilic, which shot 20 winners in the first set alone. And although he seemed to adjust his back in the third game of the second set, Djokovic neatly hit both wings to achieve a heavily fought victory after an hour, 55 minutes.
“I had trouble finding my rhythm from the basic line,” Djokovic admitted. “I [lacked] Some matches – my last was open at the US – so I got a very tough opener against Marin, who when the ball feels, is so dangerous and can beat everyone. He didn’t give me time to breathe, so I think I dug myself out of trouble with a good portion, which makes me clearly happy. ”
The same city, the same story?@Djokernole Books are place in the third round for the 11th consecutive time in Shanghai@Sh_rolexmasters | #Rolexhanghaimasters pic.twitter.com/nsbxxjwdon
– ATP Tour (@atptour) October 3, 2025
Despite recent fitness fears, including physical concerns that chased him during the US Open last month, the characteristic efficiency of Djokovic was completely visible. Against Cilic, which he now leads 20-2 in their Lexus ATP Head2head series, the Serbian again showed his creepy capacity to increase his level when needed.
The packaged crowd welcomed Djokovic with roar in the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, where the 10th Seed Holger Rune and Countryman Hamad Medjedovic were for the first time since his return to action on tour level for the first time since his American open semi-final defeat against Carlos Alcaraz.
Returning to Shanghai for the first time since his loss for Jannik Sinner in last year’s final, Djokovic was able to face the Italian again if they both continue to the semi -final in 2025. He is then confronted with Yannick Hanfmann, who continued his run of qualifying to disturb 25th seed frans.
By setting up in Shanghai, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, Djokovic became the first man to record 40 or more victories at six different ATP Masters 1000 events since the introduction of the series in 1990 (Rome 68, Indian Wells 51, Paris 50, Miami).
With a combined age of 79 years and 139 days, the game of Djokovic and Cilic was the oldest ATP Masters 1000 Main-Draw meeting since 1990-a proof of the lasting power of both players. Djokovic has the record of the world on World No. most weeks. 1 (428), while Cilic, a former No. 3, remains reminded for his US Open Triumph 2014, under his count of 21 titles at Tour Level.
“Ton of respect for Marin, everything he has achieved and who he is as a person,” said Djokovic. “We can very well over the field, we have known each other for many years. The last time we played was three years ago, so it’s great to see him play at this level again.”
Although Djokovic has reached the semi-final this year with all four Majors, his Masters 1000 campaigns are shaking. A second place in Miami is booked by early outputs in Indian Wells, Monte-Carlo and Madrid. Now, in Shanghai, one of his happiest hunting grounds, Djokovic wants to reset balance.
The record sevenfold Nitto ATP Finals is currently fourth in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin, with a 31-10 that is in the year.
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