Novak Djokovic opened his quest for a record-extending fifth Rolex Shanghai Masters title Friday with a hard-fought 7-6 (2), 6-4 win against Marin Cilic.

With the victory in one hour and 55 minutes, the fourth-seeded Serbian improved his career record to 40-6 at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in China. He also improved to 20-2 against Croatia's Cilic.

Djokovic fired 10 aces, saved all four break points and finished with 21 winners and only four unforced errors. He converted the only service break of the match in the third game of the second set.

With their combined ages of 79 years and 139 days, the duel between Djokovic and Cilic marked the oldest men's main-draw meeting at the ATP Masters 1000 level since 1990.

"Tons of respect for Marin, all he has achieved and who he is as a perso

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