Djokovic struggled in his return but got the job done against Cilic in Shanghai
Novak Djokovic won in straight sets this Friday in the second round of the Shanghai Masters 1000 against Marin Cilic (7-6, 6-4).
Novak Djokovic, US Open 2025 – © Zuma / Psnewz
Back on the ATP Tour for the first time since his US Open semifinal loss to Carlos Alcaraz, the 24-time Grand Slam champion defeated Marin Cilic this Friday in his Shanghai opener (7-6, 6-4). It was Djokovic’s 32nd victory of the 2025 season.
The clash between the two veterans, aged 37 and 38, became the oldest match in Masters 1000 history in terms of combined age. By beating the Croat, Djokovic now holds an 87% win rate in Shanghai, higher than at any other Masters 1000 event, and recorded his 40th career victory at the Chinese tournament.
But the win was anything but straightforward. Lacking rhythm after a month away from competition, the world No. 5 struggled against the 2014 US Open champion. In the opening set, Djokovic had to save two break points at 5-5, taking advantage of Cilic’s nerves on the crucial moments.
I struggled to find my rhythm, it was a very tough match to come back with
He then raised his level in the tie-break, dominating 7-2, even though Cilic had lost only four points on serve up to that stage of the match. In the second set, Djokovic converted his only break point to take control.
At 5-4, Cilic had two more chances to break back and extend the contest, but he failed to convert them. Relying on a strong serve down the T followed by an ace, Djokovic closed out his first victory since the US Open and booked his place in the third round of the Shanghai Masters 1000.
“I have a lot of respect for Marin Cilic, both as a person and for his career,” Djokovic said afterwards. “It’s great to see him competing at this level again. I struggled to find my rhythm, it was a very tough match to come back with. He was very aggressive and didn’t let me breathe. I could rely on my serve today. I’m happy with the win, but I know I need to keep improving.”
Djokovic now leads the head-to-head against Cilic 20-2 on the ATP Tour. The 38-year-old will face Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann, who upset Frances Tiafoe, in the next round.
