Shanghai Masters Updates: Djokovic, Shelton, and More
Novak Djokovic had to “fire up all engines” to overcome Marin Cilic and reach the third round of the Shanghai Masters, winning 7-6 (2), 6-4.
“At the end of the day, age doesn't matter when you walk out on the court, you have to find a way to win...”
Novak Djokovic had a tough time against Marin Cilic, but he managed to pull through in the Shanghai Masters second round. The Serbian tennis star won 7-6 (2), 6-4, after 1 hour and 55 minutes of play. This win marks another milestone for Djokovic, who now has 40 wins in Shanghai - the most by any player at a single Masters 1000 tournament since 1990.
The Serbian tennis star struggled in the first set but found his rhythm in the tiebreaker, winning it 7-2. In the second set, Djokovic broke Cilic's serve in the third game and held on to secure the win.
Djokovic's Performance
Tough Opponent: Cilic, ranked 94th in the ATP rankings, gave Djokovic a run for his money, especially in the first set where he earned two break points in the 11th game.
Serving to Victory: Djokovic's strong serving helped him save those break points and eventually win the tiebreaker 7-2.
Second Set Dominance: In the second set, Djokovic broke Cilic's serve once and held his own serve to secure a 6-4 win.
Novak loves Shanghai 🇨🇳
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 3, 2025
The moment he collected his record 40th win at the event and first at this level since March 💪#RolexShagnhaiMasters pic.twitter.com/2uLl3o8HIh
Meanwhile, sixth-seeded Ben Shelton had a disappointing loss to David Goffin, 6-2, 6-4. Shelton's loss might impact his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy.
“I did enjoy it, but I also suffered a lot on the court,” Djokovic said after launching his title bid.
“It was a very close match. He was probably the better player for the first set,” he added, saying he needed to “fire up all engines.”
The first set was hard-fought, with 94th-ranked Cilic's best chance to break the 24-time Grand Slam champion coming but going in the 11th game.
Djokovic seemed to regain his footing in the tiebreak, steaming ahead to prevail 7-2.
In the second set, the world number five broke the Croat in the third game and then kept his cool in a tense 10th game to secure victory with a final ace.
Novak Djokovic has dominated Marin Cilic in their head-to-head matches, winning 20 out of 22 meetings. Their most recent encounter was at the Shanghai Masters, where Djokovic secured a 7-6, 6-4 victory. Despite Cilic's strong start, Djokovic's experience and skill ultimately paid off, with the Serbian tennis star commenting, “We keep challenging each other, but also the young guys on the tour.” This win marks another milestone for Djokovic, who is chasing a record-extending fifth title in Shanghai.
“We keep challenging each other, but also the young guys on the tour,” Djokovic said, after playing for the first time since losing to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open semi-finals a month ago.
“At the end of the day, age doesn't matter when you walk out on the court, you have to find a way to win.”
Last year, Djokovic lost to world number two Jannik Sinner, 14 years his junior, in the final. On Thursday, he said he would “love to have the chance” to play Sinner again if they meet in the semi-finals.
What's Next for Djokovic
Third Round Match: Djokovic will face German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann, who upset Frances Tiafoe 6-7 (9), 6-2, 6-1.
Record-Extending Fifth Title: Djokovic is chasing a record-extending fifth title in Shanghai, having reached the final last year.
Upset at Shanghai Masters: Ben Shelton Loses to David Goffin
Ben Shelton's Shanghai Masters campaign came to an abrupt end as he was defeated by 83rd-ranked David Goffin in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4. The 22-year-old American, seeded sixth in the tournament, struggled to find his rhythm against the experienced Belgian, who saved all three break points he faced and capitalized on crucial opportunities to break Shelton's serve.
“It was tough to finish it, but I made it with a good service game, so I'm really happy,” said Goffin.
Shelton has been recovering from a shoulder injury sustained at the US Open. However, Goffin also has form when it comes to eliminating top players.
In March this year, he upset world number one Alcaraz in Miami, and last year in Shanghai, he knocked out world number three Alexander Zverev.
Major Moments:
Goffin's Strong Serving: Goffin's powerful serving played a significant role in securing his win, particularly in the first set where he broke Shelton's serve in the third and seventh games.
Shelton's Unforced Errors: Shelton's unforced errors, 22 in total, hampered his chances of mounting a comeback against Goffin, who was precise and controlled in his play.
Break and Hold: Goffin's ability to break Shelton's serve at critical moments, including after a rain break in the second set, ultimately sealed the victory for the Belgian.
Jannik Sinner’s reaction to a fantastic shot from David Goffin against Ben Shelton in Shanghai.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 3, 2025
Defending champion appreciating good tennis. 🦊
pic.twitter.com/NMx18ILeeg
Implications for Shelton
ATP Finals Qualification: Shelton's loss puts his qualification for the ATP Finals in jeopardy, as he now faces stiff competition from rivals like Alex de Minaur and Lorenzo Musetti, who are closing in on him in the rankings.
Injury Concerns: Shelton's defeat also raises concerns about his fitness, given his recent struggles with a left shoulder injury that forced him to retire from the US Open.
Teenager Learner Tien - fresh from losing the final of the China Open against Sinner in Beijing on Wednesday - continued his recent good form, beating Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic to advance to the second round, while Frances Tiafoe, Alexander Bublik and Flavio Cobolli all suffered surprise defeats.
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