Competing at his first Masters 1000 event as the 38-year-old, Novak Djokovic made a winning start in Shanghai. The four-time champion faced Marin Cilic in the second round and earned a 7-6, 6-4 triumph in an hour and 54minutes.
Thus, Novak provided his 415th victory at this level, hoping to chase his first Masters 1000 shield in nearly two years. Cilic notched his first Masters 1000 win in over three years in the first round.
He fought well in his 22nd duel against his good friend and wasted two break chances at 5-5 in the opening set and more at 4-5 in the second. Djokovic clinched the pivotal points and
Novak fired ten aces and dominated with his first serve. He defended all four break points in the closing stages of each set and seized the only opportunity he created on the return.
The four-time champion built a slight advantage in the shortest and mid-range exchanges. Marin went for his shots and landed28 winners and 24 unforced errors. Djokovic stood on a 21-15 ratio and brought his best tennis when it mattered the most.
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They served well in the openingten games before the Croat stepped in on the return at 5-5. He generated two break points, and the Serb denied them to remain on the positive side.
Novak gained a boost and clinched four mini-breaks in the tie break, wrapping up the opener 7-6 after nearly 70 minutes. The only break of the match came in the third game of the second set.
The four-time champion moved in front and provided fine holds for a 5-3 advantage. Novak served for the win at 5-4 and denied two break points. He fired an ace on a match point to emerge at the top and secure his first victory since the US Open quarter-final.
