Djokovic Dominates Cilic in Shanghai Debut
Serbian superstar eyeing a record-setting fifth title in Shanghai
October 03, 2025
Rolex Shanghai Masters
Novak Djokovic enhances his record to 40-6 in Shanghai.
By Jerome Coombe
Novak Djokovic displayed his classic style at the Rolex Shanghai Masters on Friday night, overpowering Marin Cilic with a score of 7-6(2), 6-4 to initiate his quest for a record-extending fifth crown.
Emulating the legendary Ivan Lendl, Djokovic sprinkled sawdust on his palms to tackle the challenging humidity that affected his grip early on. He faced a relentless attack from Cilic, who delivered 20 winners in the first set alone. Although he appeared to tweak his back during the second set’s third game, Djokovic found his rhythm to secure a hard-fought win in one hour and 55 minutes.
“I struggled to establish my baseline rhythm,” Djokovic reflected. “I hadn’t played much recently—my last match was at the US Open. Marin is a formidable player who can be a threat to anyone when he finds his groove. He kept the pressure on me, and I’m pleased with how I served my way out of it.”
Same city, same story 🔁@DjokerNole secures his spot in the third round for the 11th year in a row at Shanghai! @SH_RolexMasters | #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/nsBxxJWdon
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 3, 2025
Despite lingering fitness concerns from his recent US Open performance, Djokovic displayed his renowned efficiency. He now leads Cilic 20-2 in their ATP Head2Head battles, consistently pushing his game to new heights when needed.
The enthusiastic crowd at Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena welcomed Djokovic with thunderous cheers, with the 10th seed Holger Rune and compatriot Hamad Medjedovic among the spectators supporting his return to action after his US Open semi-final setback against Carlos Alcaraz.
Returning to Shanghai for the first time since his 2023 final defeat to Jannik Sinner, Djokovic could potentially face Sinner again in the semi-finals if both advance. His next opponent is Yannick Hanfmann, who pulled off an impressive upset over 25th seed Frances Tiafoe.
With his 40th victory in Shanghai, Djokovic became the first player to achieve 40 or more wins at six distinct ATP Masters 1000 events since the series began in 1990 (Rome 68, Indian Wells 51, Paris 50, Miami 49, Cincinnati 45).
Notably, Djokovic and Cilic’s matchup marked the oldest ATP Masters 1000 main-draw encounter since 1990, with a combined age of 79 years and 139 days, highlighting the longevity of both athletes. Djokovic holds the record for the most weeks at World No. 1 (428), while Cilic, a former No. 3, is celebrated for his 2014 US Open victory amidst his 21 tour-level titles.
“I have immense respect for Marin and all he has accomplished,” Djokovic stated. “We have a great rapport off the court, having known each other for so long. It’s wonderful to see him playing at this level again.”
While Djokovic has reached the semi-finals in all four grand slams this year, his Masters 1000 performances have been lackluster, with a runner-up finish in Miami overshadowed by early exits in Indian Wells, Monte-Carlo, and Madrid. Now, in Shanghai—a venue where he has found much success—he is eager to regain his winning form.
The record seven-time Nitto ATP Finals champion currently sits fourth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, boasting a 31-10 record this year.
