Novak Djokovic wasted no time reclaiming his form at the Shanghai Masters, grinding out a 7-6(2), 6-4 victory over Marin Čilić on Friday night. The Serb, chasing a record fifth title here, looked sharp despite the humid conditions, breaking Čilić in the second set to seal it in straight sets. It wasn't vintage Djokovic—far from it, with some unforced errors creeping in during the tiebreak—but he got the job done against the 36-year-old Croat, who fought valiantly but couldn't sustain his big serve.
Čilić, a former US Open champion himself, entered as a wildcard and nearly pushed the world No. 4 to a decider. His backhand slices troubled Djokovic early, forcing the Serb to adjust on the fly. Yet Djokovic's experience prevailed, converting on three of five break points overall. This marks their 18th meeting, with Djokovic now leading 15-2, a lopsided rivalry that's seen better days for the veteran.
Meanwhile, across the draw, Ugo Humbert continued his breakout campaign with a stunning upset over a seeded opponent in the second round. The 27-year-old Frenchman, seeded 14th, dismantled his rival 6-3, 7-5, showcasing that explosive forehand that's turned heads this season. Humbert's run here adds intrigue; he's won 20 of his last 25 matches, blending power with newfound consistency. Indeed, his form echoes a rising tide among young Europeans challenging the old guard.
However, not everything's smooth in Shanghai. Čilić's effort, while admirable, highlights his twilight struggles—knee issues lingering from years past. Djokovic, at 38, seems unfazed, but the tight opener raises questions about his depth for a deep run. Humbert? He's the wildcard energizing the tournament, proving talent can erupt unexpectedly.
Both players advance, but as the Masters unfolds, one wonders if these clashes signal shifting sands in men's tennis.