Novak Djokovic secured his 40th victory at the Shanghai Masters. The Serb had to work hard to achieve a milestone after ousting his good friend, Marin Cilic, 7-6, 6-4 in an hour and 54 minutes.
Novak and Marin entered history books in their 22nd meeting on the Tour, becoming the owners of the oldest Masters 1000 match at a combined age of 75 years and four months!
Djokovic praised his rival and his aggressive approach, admitting he had to dig deep to emerge at the top. The Serb would love to meet the Croat again in the future and chase more age records.
Cilic scored his first Masters 1000 victory in over three years to arrange the clash against the 24-time Major winner. The Croat fought well and gave everything to test the legend, especially in the opening set.
Despite the challenge, Novak's initial shot did a decisive job, getting him out of trouble in the crucial moments. The four-time champion saved all four break points in the closing stages of each set.
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He generated one break point in the second set and converted it to make the difference. Despite their age, Djokovic was thrilled how they both performed, admitting it looked like they were 15 years younger!
Marin had the upper hand in the exchanges in the opening set, unleashing aggression from the baseline and taming his strokes nicely. However Novak presented his trademark mental fortitude.
He denied two break points at 5-5 and leaned on a razor-sharp serve to escape danger and remain in touch. He clinched a tie break with multiple mini-breaks after embracing clinican precision.
Djokovic grabbed an early break in the third game of the second set and seized momentum. The Serb served for the win at 5-4, and the Croat generated two break points that could have kept him in contention.
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However, Novak saved them and fired an ace on a match point to emerge at the top and book his place in the next round. It was a thrilling duel between the two veterans on the notable scene.
They moved with the vigor of youngsters and traded blows as if youth crossed through their veins anew. As Djokovic described, age fades when the lines ignite and draws the inner drive regardless ofthe calendar.
For these eternal rivals, and Novak and Marin started to battle in 2008, the court remains a realm where records beckon, and the pursuit of glory knows no expiration.
Will we see them compete again in the future? Only time will tell, but if that happens, we will embrace another strong duel that defines their friendship and everlasting desire to compete.
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"I struggled a bit because it was a high-intensity match. Marin is an incredible opponent, and I'm happy to pass the first obstacle. I think my serve worked very well. I hit more aces than Marin, which is not always common against such a strong server.
He was very aggressive today. When he feels the ball, he hits it flat and deep. He tried to put me in uncomfortable situations and make me defend, which he achieved in the first set.
I escaped from difficult situations thanks to my serve and some good groundstrokes. However, I had to work hard to win, and it's good to start the tournament this way sometimes. I thought about our combined age before the duel.
We are 75, which is a lot. Hopefully, we can play more matches and break more records. We competed today as if we were 15 years younger, which is nice. Age does not matter when you step onto the court - you must find a way to win," Novak Djokovic said.
