Novak Djokovic wasted little time reclaiming his stride at the ATP Shanghai Masters on Friday, dispatching Marin Čilić in straight sets to move into the third round. The 38-year-old Serb, returning after a four-week break since the US Open, edged out the veteran Croat 7-6(2), 6-4 in a match that felt more like a respectful nod to old rivalries than a high-stakes battle. Indeed, Djokovic's serve held firm under the Qizhong Forest Sports City lights, breaking Čilić just once but dominating the tiebreak with precision that belied his time away.
Čilić, 36 and grinding through a comeback season marred by injuries, put up a fight in the opener, forcing errors with his heavy groundstrokes. Yet, as the evening wore on, the gulf in current form showed. Djokovic converted his only break point in the second set at 3-3, then closed it out with an ace—his 10th of the night. This victory marks Djokovic's 100th win at Masters 1000 events in Asia, a milestone that underscores his enduring dominance on these courts. He now owns four Shanghai titles, chasing a fifth that would tie his own record.
However, the road gets tougher immediately. Waiting in the third round is France's Ugo Humbert, the 12th seed who earlier breezed past qualifier Yasutaka Uchiyama 6-3, 6-4. Humbert, riding a hot streak with back-to-back titles in Metz and Beijing, brings a lefty spin and aggressive baseline game that could test Djokovic's rhythm. The pair have never met, adding intrigue to what might be the Serb's sternest challenge yet this week. Djokovic, drawn in the same half as world No. 2 Jannik Sinner, seemed almost casual post-match, praising Čilić's resilience while hinting at adjustments for the faster hard courts.
Moreover, this Shanghai run comes amid Djokovic's selective 2025 schedule—he's skipped several events to prioritize family and fitness, fueling speculation about his end-of-year form. A deep run here could bolster his case for the ATP Finals, where he's gunning for a seventh crown. But with Alcaraz and Sinner looming, every point feels weighted.
Still, as Djokovic eyes another deep Masters push, one wonders if this blend of experience and selective fire can outlast the young guns' relentless pace.