Novak Djokovic says what Holger Rune did in training which was ‘really good to see’ in Shanghai

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Novak Djokovic and Holger Rune trained together ahead of the 2025 Shanghai Masters.

The practice paid off, as both players secured wins in their Shanghai Masters second-round matches on Friday.

First, Rune defeated Sebastian Baez, 7-5, 6-4, in straight sets, to book his place in the third round.

Joining the Dane in round three, Djokovic took down Marin Cilic, 7-6, 6-4, winning his first match since losing in the US Open semifinals.

After the match, Djokovic was full of praise for Rune, as he revealed what their practice sessions are really like.

Novak Djokovic says Holger Rune shows a ‘high level of intensity and focus’ in training

Speaking to the media after his second-round win, Djokovic was told that Rune had said that practicing with the Serb helped him a lot.

“I made him say that,” joked Djokovic.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner proceeded to suggest whether he would practice with the 22-year-old on Saturday.

“I don’t know. I don’t know. Let’s see. Maybe with him again,” said Djokovic.

“We always have really high-intensity practice sessions, and it’s good.

“Sometimes we push each other too much, you know, for the practice.

“I think bringing such a high level of focus and dedication is really good to see with a young guy like him.

“I enjoy it because it prepares me in the best possible way for the tournament, and for what’s waiting for me in the match.”

Djokovic and Rune enjoy a good relationship with one another on and off the court, and the Dane was in attendance for his training partner’s second-round win over Cilic.

They’ve played each other six times in total, with Djokovic leading the head-to-head, 4-2.

Djokovic and Rune could potentially meet for a seventh time in Shanghai, should both players reach the semifinals.

The 38-year-old would love to make a deep run at the Shanghai Masters, but won’t have it easy, especially with the brutal conditions.

The conditions in Shanghai are ‘crazy humid’ – Novak Djokovic

Like many of his rivals, Djokovic has struggled with the heat and humidity in Shanghai.

“It’s crazy humid, to be honest. I don’t recall the weather being so humid in China,” he said.

“I don’t remember the last time I played in humidity like this.

“It is what it is, you know, it’s the same for me, my opponent, and every other player.

“You just have to accept it, deal with it. A lot of sweating. The laundry bills will be quite high this week, but that’s okay.

“Hopefully I can keep it going.”

Djokovic wants to ‘keep it going’, but who will he have to beat en route to the Shanghai Masters title?

Novak Djokovic’s projected route to the title (By ranking)

• 2R [WIN] vs #94 Marin Cilic
• 3R vs #150 Yannick Hanfmann
• 4R vs #14 Andrey Rublev
• QF vs #21 Francisco Cerundolo
• SF vs #2 Jannik Sinner
• F vs #3 Alexander Zverev

The Serb can’t have too many complaints about his draw, as he won’t have to play a top ten player until the semifinals.

He would likely be favored to beat Yannick Hanfmann, Andrey Rublev, and Francisco Cerundolo, although things would be a lot tougher in the last four.

If it is to be Jannik Sinner who stands between Djokovic and a place in the final, he would surely set foot on court as the underdog.

Djokovic has lost his last five matches against Sinner, and last beat the young Italian 684 days ago at the 2023 ATP Finals.

To make matters worse, Djokovic lost to Sinner in the final of the Shanghai Masters 12 months ago.

Djokovic will be hoping to avoid a repeat result should they face off again in this year’s semifinals.

He won’t want to get ahead of himself, however, and will now focus on his third-round match against Hanfmann, which takes place on Sunday, October 5.