Djokovic Overcomes Grip Struggles in Record-Setting Shanghai Masters Win

Novak Djokovic faced notable challenges during his second-round match against Marin Cilic at the Shanghai Masters, marking his first tournament appearance since the US Open. Djokovic struggled with grip issues early in the match, even requesting sawdust from the umpire to improve his hold, which commentators noted was unusual for him. Despite these difficulties, Djokovic managed to secure a straight-sets victory, 7-6(7-2), 6-4, in a closely contested battle lasting nearly two hours. Both players, aged 38 and 37 respectively, set a record for the oldest combined age in an ATP Masters 1000 main draw match at 75 years and 139 days. Djokovic admitted he "suffered a lot" during the match and highlighted Cilic's tactical play that made him "uncomfortable" in the first set, but he ultimately credited his strong serving for turning the match in his favor. Djokovic will face German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann in the third round, aiming for his first tournament win since May.