‘Suffering’ Novak Djokovic battles past Cilic in Shanghai Opener

BEIJING: Novak Djokovic said he had to “fire up all engines” as he fought through a tough first set to reach the third round of the Shanghai Masters on Friday, defeating fellow veteran Marin Cilic 7-6 (7/2), 6-4.

The 38-year-old Serbian star is chasing a record-extending fifth title in Shanghai, where he received rapturous applause from a stadium full of excited Chinese fans.

The match made history, as the combined age of Djokovic and Cilic — 75 years and 139 days — was the oldest ever between two opponents in an ATP Masters 1000 main draw match.

“I did enjoy it, but I also suffered a lot on the court,” Djokovic said after the win.

“It was a very close match. He was probably the better player in the first set,” he admitted, adding that he needed to “fire up all engines.”

Tight start, strong finish

The first set was hard-fought, with 94th-ranked Cilic almost breaking the 24-time Grand Slam champion in the 11th game. But Djokovic found his rhythm in the tiebreak and pulled ahead to win it 7-2.

In the second set, the world number five broke Cilic in the third game and held his nerve in a tense tenth game, sealing victory with an ace.

“We performed like we were maybe 15 years younger,” Djokovic joked.

This was the 22nd match between the two players — Djokovic has now won 20 of those.

He last played a month ago in the US Open semi-final, where he lost to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Tennis fans sizzle as heatwave hits Wimbledon

“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,” Djokovic said.

Sinner awaits?

Djokovic mentioned he would “love to have the chance” to play Italy’s Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals. The 22-year-old defeated Djokovic in the 2024 Shanghai final.

Sinner begins his title defence on Saturday against Germany’s Daniel Altmaier.

Shelton knocked out by Goffin

In a surprise upset, the USA’s Ben Shelton, ranked world number six, became the first top-10 seed to be knocked out of the tournament.

The 83rd-ranked David Goffin of Belgium beat Shelton 6-2, 6-4 in straight sets.

Goffin, 34, broke Shelton’s serve twice in the first set and again in the ninth game of the second, shortly after a rain break.

“It was tough to finish it, but I made it with a good service game, so I’m really happy,” Goffin said.

Shelton has been recovering from a shoulder injury suffered during the US Open.

Sinner hears Pope Leo’s tennis confession

This isn’t Goffin’s first big upset — earlier this year, he beat Carlos Alcaraz in Miami and previously eliminated Alexander Zverev in Shanghai.

Teen talent shines

Teenager Learner Tien, who recently lost the China Open final to Sinner, continued his strong form, defeating Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic to move into the second round.

Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz is not playing in Shanghai, having withdrawn to rest after winning the Japan Open.