Novak Djokovic maintains phenomenal record over American players after beating Alex Michelsen at the Shanghai Masters

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Novak Djokovic is into the Shanghai Masters round of 32 after a hard-fought victory over Alex Michelsen.

Djokovic thinks he has catching up to do with his rivals given his lack of tournaments lately, with the Serbian missing the recent China Open.

But he has made a winning start on his return to the Shanghai Masters after a five-year break, with Djokovic beating Michelsen in the round of 64.

The American certainly made it difficult for the 24-time Grand Slam winner, with Djokovic full of praise for Michelsen after their match.

It was the Serbian who emerged victorious 7-6(7-3), 7-6(11-9) in Shanghai, in what is the fourth seed’s first individual tournament since the US Open.

Novak Djokovic continues superb run against American opponents

He was knocked out in the third round at Flushing Meadows by Australian Alexei Popyrin, but no such issues were suffered against Michelsen.

The victory in Shanghai continued Djokovic’s superb run against American opponents, with the Serbian now winning his past 33 ATP-level matches against such players, as per OptaAce.

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Djokovic last lost to an American opponent all the way back in 2016, when Sam Querrey defeated him in the round of 32 at Wimbledon.

Can Novak Djokovic emerge victorious at the Shanghai Masters?

Djokovic knows better than anyone what it takes to win the Shanghai Masters, with his four titles more than any other player.

It remains to be seen whether his recent break from individual action will play into his hands or not, with several of his opponents certain to be tired from their China Open exploits.

Conversely, however, they should have more match fitness and sharpness than Djokovic, with the Serbian admitting himself that he is behind other players in that regard.

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The injury that has disrupted his season meanwhile could continue to play a part in his progress given that the protective brace remains on his right knee.

Unlike the US Open, early shocks have been avoided so far at the Shanghai Masters, with the likes of Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev already into the last 16.