Shanghai
Upcoming Clash: Sinner vs. Djokovic in Shanghai
On Friday, Djokovic takes on Cilic
Date: October 02, 2025
Photo Credit: Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner, reigning champion in Shanghai, faces off against Novak Djokovic, a four-time titleholder.
By ATP Staff
Novak Djokovic is set to return to the court this Friday at the esteemed Rolex Shanghai Masters, where he will go head-to-head with seasoned competitor Marin Cilic. Meanwhile, defending champion Jannik Sinner will kick-start his title defense on Saturday against Daniel Altmaier.
The remarkable Djokovic, aging gracefully at 38, has clinched the Shanghai ATP Masters 1000 title an astonishing four times: in 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2018. As he makes his return after the US Open hiatus, Djokovic will engage in his 22nd tour-level clash with Cilic, who he leads 19-2 in their previous encounters. Their much-anticipated match is scheduled to begin no earlier than 12:30 p.m. CEST / 6:30 a.m. ET.
According to the seeding, Djokovic is projected to square off with Sinner in the semi-finals. The young Italian, who amazed fans last year by becoming the youngest champion in Shanghai history, will aim to take the lead in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series against Altmaier, with the exact timing of their match yet to be determined. Their last duel was a nail-biting five-hour contest at Roland Garros in 2023, where Altmaier saved two match points to claim victory over Sinner.
Currently ranked No. 2 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Sinner triumphed over Djokovic in last year’s Shanghai final, and he’s riding a wave of momentum with five consecutive wins against the legendary 100-time tour-level titlist.
To explore the full order of play for Shanghai, click here.
