Novak Djokovic endured a successful return to the court at the Shanghai Masters on Friday (October 3), as he defeated Maren Cilic 7-6 (7-2) 6-4.
The 24-time major champion's latest outing in China was his first since losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals of the US Open a month ago.
Djokovic, who is a record four-time singles champion at the Masters 1000 event, is looking to win the tournament for the first time since 2018. He reached the final last year, where he was beaten by Jannik Sinner.
The Serbian struggled to deal with the humid conditions early on against Cilic, causing him to have difficulties with his grip.
Prior to the opening set tie-break in Shanghai, the contest remained tight, as Cilic's two failed break-point conversions in the 11th game were the only time real jeopardy existed.
After losing the first point in the tie-break, Djokovic regrouped and comfortably won the required seven points to secure the opening set.
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The 38-year-old then broke early in the second set before keeping serve and holding off another two break points in the final game to seal a comeback win and reach the last 32.
Djokovic sets impressive new record after victory in Shanghai
Getty
Djokovic's win over Cilic on Friday was his 20th against the Croatian Grand Slam winner out of the 22 matches the two have played at ATP Tour-level.
This makes Cilic the seventh different player that Djokovic has achieved the feat over, after doing the same against Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Stan Warwrinka, Tomas Berdych and Gael Monfils.
The Serbian is also the only player in the Open Era to have recorded 20 or more victories in ATP Tour matches against more than five different opponents.
The tennis icon will now be looking to go on another strong run in Shanghai, starting with his next match in this year's event against Yannick Hanfmann on Sunday (October 5).
The German booked his spot in the last 32 after coming from a set down to secure an upset win over America's Frances Tiafoe on Friday.
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