Overview
- Novak Djokovic beat Marin Cilic 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 to reach the Shanghai Masters third round in his first match since the US Open.
- The victory was his 40th in Shanghai as the four-time champion pursues a record-extending fifth title at the event.
- He managed severe humidity by using sawdust for grip, saved all four break points he faced, and closed with his 10th ace.
- German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann, who defeated Frances Tiafoe, will be Djokovic’s next opponent.
- With Carlos Alcaraz withdrawing from Shanghai to rest and injuries mounting in Beijing, Djokovic said players are not united enough to reshape the crowded calendar and noted he now sees better chances in best-of-three Masters events than at Grand Slams.