In a matchup that evoked memories of their storied rivalry, Novak Djokovic dispatched Marin Čilić 7-6(2), 6-4 on Friday evening at the ATP Shanghai Masters. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, returning after a four-week hiatus since his US Open semifinal exit, showed flashes of his vintage form but wasn't entirely dominant against the 2014 Wimbledon winner. Čilić, at 36, pushed hard in a tense first set, forcing a tiebreak where Djokovic's precision edged him out. The second set saw the Serb break serve once to seal the victory, advancing to the third round in just over 90 minutes.
Indeed, Djokovic's game looked sharp yet measured, with 28 winners underscoring his baseline prowess, though unforced errors crept in during longer rallies—a subtle reminder of rust after the break. He later admitted to feeling the weight of expectations in this, his first tournament since tweaking his schedule to prioritize end-of-year events. Shanghai holds special meaning for Djokovic, who has claimed the title a record four times here. Now, he faces a tougher test against France's Ugo Humbert, the 26-year-old who stunned Ben Shelton in straight sets earlier, 6-4, 7-6(5). Humbert's aggressive lefty serve and flat groundstrokes could exploit any lingering fatigue in Djokovic's camp.
However, Djokovic's draw remains daunting; a potential semifinal against world No. 2 Jannik Sinner looms, while Carlos Alcaraz occupies the opposite half. The Rolex Shanghai Masters, with its $8.7 million prize pot, continues to showcase the tour's elite under the bright lights of Qizhong Forest Sports City. For Djokovic, chasing a fifth crown here might hinge on conserving energy amid a grueling fall slate that includes Paris and the ATP Finals.
Moreover, Humbert's recent surge—reaching the top 20 this season—adds intrigue to what could be a tactical battle of power versus poise. Djokovic, ever the strategist, will need to dial in his return game early. As the tournament unfolds, one wonders how this version of the legend measures up against the tour's young guns.