Novak Djokovic admits what he really struggled with against Marin Cilic despite beating him in Shanghai

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Novak Djokovic kicked off his Shanghai Masters campaign in style, with a big win over Croatia’s Marin Cilic.

The Serbian star was last seen in action at the US Open, where Djokovic lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals.

Making his return in Shanghai, Djokovic battled past Cilic in an entertaining opener to secure his place in the third round.

Speaking afterwards, Djokovic admitted what he really struggled to deal with during the match.

Novak Djokovic struggled to find his ‘rhythm’ from the baseline against Marin Cilic

During his post-match interview, Djokovic highlighted what he found difficult against Cilic.

“For me, I did struggle to find my rhythm from the baseline,” he said.

“I lacked some matches; the US Open was the last one. I got a really tough opening match here against Marin [Cilic], who, when he is feeling the ball, can be so dangerous and beat anybody.

Matches played since the US Open

“He was playing so aggressively from the back of the court and did not give me time to breathe, so I managed to dig myself out of the trouble with some good serving, which makes me happy.

“I know I have to improve my game, but I’m happy with the win.”

Djokovic proceeded to share his thoughts on Cilic, who he now leads in the head-to-head, 21-2.

“Tons of respect for Marin and all he has achieved and who he is as a person,” he said.

“We get along very well off the court and speak the same language. We have known each other for so many years and haven’t played for maybe three years.

“It’s great to see him back playing at this level.”

Djokovic was delighted to book his place in the third round, where he will have another chance to perform in front of his many Chinese fans.

“One of the oldest cultures and traditions of the world. I have been receiving so much love and support over the years,” he said.

“The first time I played in China was in 2007, so almost 20 years ago.

• 2007 ATP Finals RR – Novak Djokovic lost to Rafael Nadal
• 2007 ATP Finals RR – Novak Djokovic lost to David Ferrer
• 2007 ATP Finals RR – Novak Djokovic lost to Richard Gasquet

“I love coming back, particularly, probably the biggest reason why I came this year is just to feel this.

“I really wanted to connect with Chinese fans again. They are probably outside of my country, the biggest supporters I have.

“They are incredible, so passionate. They wait all night and day just to exchange presents with you or get a glimpse of you and take a photo, so I appreciate that very much. I don’t take that for granted.

“After so many years, it keeps on getting better and better. I try to return the love with quality tennis.”

The fans in Shanghai will hope to see Djokovic produce some more ‘quality tennis’ when he returns for his third-round match.

Who will Novak Djokovic play next at the Shanghai Masters?

Next up for Djokovic is German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann, who has made a surprising run through to the third round.

• 2025 Shanghai Masters Q1 – Yannick Hanfmann defeated Shintaro Mochizuki
• 2025 Shanghai Masters Q2 – Yannick Hanfmann defeated Jason Kubler, 6-2, 6-3
• 2025 Shanghai Masters 1R – Yannick Hanfmann defeated Lorenzo Sonego, 2-6, 6-3, 6-1
• 2025 Shanghai Masters 2R – Yannick Hanfmann defeated Frances Tiafoe, 6-7, 6-2, 6-1

Twice coming from a set to love down, Hanfmann secured a second career meeting with the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

The pair first met at the Geneva Open last year, where Djokovic secured the win in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3.

Their third-round clash in Shanghai will, however, be their first on hard courts.

Djokovic will set foot on court as a heavy favorite against Hanfmann, expected to advance to the last 16, where he would face either Andrey Rublev/Yoshihito Nishioka or Jaume Munar.

He won’t want to get ahead of himself, though, and will first focus on Hanfmann, who he will play on Sunday, October 5.