Overview

• Novak Djokovic beat Marin Cilic 7-6 (2), 6-4 in his first match since the US Open, using sawdust to manage humid conditions before closing with his 10th ace.
• He said players are still not united enough to drive calendar change, calling for top names to coordinate on reform to protect welfare.
• Djokovic argued he has a better chance against Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at Masters 1000 events in the best‑of‑three format than at Grand Slams.
• Keeping his schedule flexible, he confirmed only the Hellenic Championships in Athens after Shanghai and said he is undecided about the ATP Finals in Turin.
• Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from Shanghai to rest after winning the Japan Open, and Jannik Sinner enters off a China Open title with his Shanghai defense set to begin.