Marin Cilic vs Novak Djokovic Prediction & Picks - ATP Shanghai Masters

Prediction published on 10/3/25, 3:14 AM  by Tyler Doty in ATP Shanghai Masters Picks

One month after losing in the semifinals at the US Open, Novak Djokovic returns to action on Friday afternoon at the Shanghai Masters 1000. The Serbian is now only competing in the major events of the season, but at 38 years of age, Nole still has plenty left in the tank. While competing with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in Grand Slam tournaments now seems out of reach for the world number four, the Serbian can still be a force to be reckoned with in best-of-three-set matches. It is also important to put Novak Djokovic's level of play into perspective. Although he is below the two giants of the circuit, he remains the third main force on the circuit despite his age. The Serbian will start his Masters 1000 against an old acquaintance, Marin Cilic, for the 23rd time in his career.

At 37, the Croatian is becoming more discreet on the circuit and, like Novak Djokovic, is choosing his appearances carefully. Since his round of 16 appearance at Wimbledon, the world number 97 has struggled, with first-round exits at the US Open, Hangzhou, and Beijing, as well as two defeats in the Davis Cup. These setbacks have not dampened the spirits of the experienced Croatian player, who defeated Georgia's Nikoloz Basilashvili (6-3, 7-6) in the first round, ending a nearly three-month winless streak. Marin Cilic will now face Novak Djokovic for a place in the third round, without any pressure whatsoever.