Novak Djokovic has made yet another piece of tennis history as he sets a new target for Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
The Serbian began his Shanghai Masters campaign with a convincing 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 victory over fellow veteran Marin Cilic. It was Djokovic's first match since the US Open, where he bowed out in the semi-finals to the eventual champion Alcaraz.
The conditions in China were tricky, with humidity causing issues for the players. At one stage, Djokovic even put sawdust on his hands to help maintain his grip on the racket.
Despite those challenges, he found a way through, and even set a new record in the process.
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Djokovic has now has more than 20 victories against seven different players, a mark that underlines his remarkable longevity at the pinnacle of the men's game.
The Serbian has enjoyed his most success against the other members of the so-called 'big four'. He has beaten Rafael Nadal 31 times, Roger Federer on 27 occasions and Andy Murray 25.
He also got the better of Tomas Berdych 25 times while Stanislas Warwinka was beaten on 21 occasions. Gael Monfils faced him 20 times without tasting success, whole Cilic only managed to defeat the Serb twice in their meetings.
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It is yet another record for Djokovic, who already holds the record for the most male Grand Slam titles with 24.
He also has 100 ATP Tour singles titles to his name, and at 38, is still looking to add to that number in Shanghai. A straight sets victory over Cilic is the ideal start in his latest bid for silverware.
After the game he said: "I struggled to find my rhythm from the baseline. I [lacked] some matches, my last one was at the US Open, so I got a really tough opener against Marin, who when is feeling the ball, is so dangerous and can beat anybody.
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"He didn't give me time to breathe, so I think I dug myself out of trouble with good serving, which obviously makes me happy."
Djokovic will face the German Yannick Hanfmann in the next round on Sunday following his surprise victory over Frances Tiafoe.
Although Djokovic will be confident of progressing through the early rounds, the challenge to go all the way will be far greater.
Presuming Sinner also comes through, the pair are on course to face each other in the semi-finals.
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Meanwhile, the other dominant force in men's tennis Alcaraz is absent from Shanghai.
He pulled out of the competition, citing the need to focus upon his rest and recovery.
Topics: Novak Djokovic, Tennis, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner
James Taylor