Celebrity Fan Web – Novak Djokovic endured a tough and demanding match to defeat fellow veteran Marin Cilic in the Shanghai Masters second round. The 38-year-old Serb, returning to action after the US Open, secured a 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 victory in one hour and 54 minutes. This marked Djokovic’s first non-Grand Slam event since May, making the win even more significant.
“Read More : Miso-Peanut Sauce Elevates Classic Bibimbap Flavor”
Their combined age of 75 years and 139 days set a record for the oldest matchup in ATP Masters 1000 main draw history. The first set saw both players hold serve, with neither giving ground before Djokovic took control in the tie-break. Cilic’s powerful serve was broken early in the second set, in the third game, giving Djokovic the edge.
Djokovic remained composed under pressure, holding serve throughout the set to close out the win. Speaking after the match at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, Djokovic admitted the contest pushed him to his limits. “I did enjoy it, but I also suffered a lot on the court,” he said.
He praised Cilic’s level of play, especially in the first set, noting, “He was probably the better player for the first set and didn’t give me time to breathe.” Djokovic added that his strong serving helped him overcome the challenges during the match.
Looking ahead, Djokovic will face German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann, known for his big serve, in the third round. The Serbian star will need to maintain his high level to continue advancing in this prestigious tournament.
Other Notable Matches: Shelton’s Struggles and Alcaraz’s Withdrawal
The tournament also saw some surprising results, including a loss for sixth seed Ben Shelton. The young American, 22, appeared rusty as he fell 6-2, 6-4 to Belgium’s David Goffin. Shelton has been recovering from a shoulder injury sustained at the US Open, which affected his rhythm during the match.
Shelton lost his serve twice in the first set, struggling to regain control. Although he fought back in the second set, an unforced error at a critical moment gave Goffin the advantage. The Belgian, currently ranked world number 83, capitalized and closed out the match. Goffin’s reward is a third-round clash with 31st seed Gabriel Diallo from Canada. This matchup promises to be competitive as both players seek deeper runs in the tournament.
“Read More : Matthew Jordan Shares Lead After Outshining Ryder Cup Stars”
Meanwhile, world number one Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the Shanghai Masters earlier this week. The Spaniard cited physical issues following his recent Japan Open victory as the reason for pulling out. Alcaraz’s absence leaves the tournament wide open for contenders like Djokovic to make a strong push for the title. As the Shanghai Masters progresses, fans can expect intense battles and compelling storylines, especially with veterans like Djokovic and Cilic demonstrating their enduring skill and resilience.