Djokovic Battles Past Michelsen in Shanghai Masters Opener

Novak Djokovic overcame a tough challenge from Alex Michelsen at the Shanghai Masters, securing a 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (11-9) victory in his first ATP Tour match since a third-round exit at the US Open. The 37-year-old Serbian, playing with heavy strapping on his right knee, fought off early rust and recovered from a slow start to edge out the 20-year-old American.

After losing the first three games, Djokovic found his rhythm, taking the first set in a tie-break. He appeared to have the second set under control, leading 4-1, but Michelsen fought back, forcing another tie-break. Despite two set points for Michelsen, Djokovic capitalized on unforced errors to close out the match.

Djokovic acknowledged the difficulty of the contest: “He started terrifically. It was a very close encounter and a high level of tennis.” He now looks ahead to a third-round match against either Flavio Cobolli or Stan Wawrinka.

Meanwhile, top seeds Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz advanced comfortably. Sinner dispatched Japan’s Taro Daniel 6-1, 6-4, while Alcaraz beat China’s Shang Juncheng 6-2, 6-2. Both players continue their quest for their first Shanghai Masters title after recently facing off in the China Open final.

Elsewhere, Russia’s Andrey Rublev fell to Jakub Mensik, and Alexander Zverev secured a 6-4, 6-2 win over Mattia Bellucci.