Sun Oct 05 04:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text:

**Djokovic Secures Shanghai Masters Victory Over Cilic in Return to Action**

**SHANGHAI** – Novak Djokovic navigated a challenging return to the court Friday at the Shanghai Masters, defeating Marin Cilic in straight sets 7-6 (2), 6-4. The fourth-seeded Serbian, competing in his first match since his US Open semifinal loss to Carlos Alcaraz, battled humidity and a determined Cilic to advance in his bid for a record-extending fifth Shanghai title.

Djokovic, who even resorted to using sawdust on his hands due to the humid conditions, relied heavily on his serve, firing 10 aces to fend off a resilient Cilic. “I struggled to find my rhythm from the baseline,” Djokovic said after the match. “I [lacked] some matches… so I got a really tough opener against Marin.”

Next, Djokovic will face German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann, who upset American Frances Tiafoe.

In other action, sixth-seeded Ben Shelton suffered a setback, falling to David Goffin 6-2, 6-4. Shelton, who had been sidelined with a shoulder injury since the US Open, saw his hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin take a hit with the loss. Despite his five-week layoff, Shelton is currently sixth in the points race for Turin, with eight making the finals. Earlier this week, Shelton expressed his desire to still qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy beginning Nov. 9.

The tournament is missing World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, who withdrew citing minor ailments after winning the Japan Open. Jannik Sinner, fresh off his China Open victory, is scheduled to play Saturday. Fifth-seeded Taylor Fritz also played on Friday after receiving a first-round bye.

Read More