Novak Djokovic marked his return to the courts after the US Open with a commanding straight-sets win over long-time rival Marin Cilic at the Shanghai Masters, reigniting his campaign in China with an impressive display of experience and resilience.
Key Takeaways
- Djokovic won 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 against Cilic, securing his place in the third round.
- The match set a record as the oldest Masters 1000 encounter by combined age (75 years, 139 days).
- Djokovic now boasts 20+ wins against seven different opponents, including Cilic.
Battle of the Veterans: Djokovic Triumphs in Record-Setting Encounter
The second round clash between Novak Djokovic and Marin Cilic wasn’t just another match—it set a milestone as the oldest Masters 1000 contest, highlighting the longevity and quality both players continue to bring to the sport. Djokovic, at 38, showed poise under pressure, overcoming early struggles with humid conditions by using sawdust to manage his grip and counter Cilic’s heavy hitting.
Djokovic’s ability to fend off Cilic, especially during crucial moments in the tie-break and early in the second set, was a testament to his status as one of tennis’ all-time greats. This victory improved Djokovic’s remarkable Shanghai record to 40-6.
Djokovic’s Dominance Over Rivals
With this win, Djokovic achieved a significant statistical milestone: having beaten seven different players over 20 times each—an unprecedented display of consistency at the elite level. Here’s a look at his head-to-head records against these top contenders:
| Opponent | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Rafael Nadal | 31 | 29 |
| Roger Federer | 27 | 23 |
| Andy Murray | 25 | 11 |
| Stan Wawrinka | 21 | 6 |
| Tomas Berdych | 25 | 3 |
| Gael Monfils | 20 | 0 |
| Marin Cilic | 20 | 2 |
Resilient Start After US Open Heartbreak
The Shanghai Masters is Djokovic’s first tournament since his semi-final exit at the US Open at the hands of Carlos Alcaraz. After the match, Djokovic acknowledged struggling to find his rhythm after the break but praised Cilic for his challenge, noting, "He didn’t give me time to breathe. I dug myself out of trouble with good serving."
Next Steps: Facing Hanfmann in Third Round
Looking ahead, Djokovic will face German Yannick Hanfmann, who impressed with an upset victory over Frances Tiafoe. Djokovic is hoping to finish his season strongly following a Grand Slam season where Grand Slams eluded him to the likes of Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Other Action At The Shanghai Masters
Elsewhere in the tournament, sixth seed Ben Shelton was defeated by David Goffin, while Holger Rune and Learner Tien also progressed to the next round. American Taylor Fritz survived two tie-breaks to overcome Fabian Marozsan, and Zizou Bergs advanced after Casper Ruud retired injured.
The next rounds promise more thrilling matches, as top stars continue their chase for the Shanghai crown.
