MATCH REPORT | 2024 Shanghai Masters: Novak Djokovic survives tough Michelsen examination

Novak Djokovic was certainly rusty as he took to the court for the first time since the US Open as he was introduced as the GOAT. But he found a way out of trouble as he saw off Alex Michelsen in straight sets at the Shanghai Masters.

A pretty incredible Saturday lineup with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz both finding a way through their openers, it was Djokovic’s turn as he was given the grand introduction. No pressure Nole.

But he lived up to that billing at least in the outset despite being rusty and it looked for the will of the world that he would win pretty easy. Albeit Michelsen did go 3-0 and 4-1 up in the outset. Djokovic levelled but Michelsen still kept his narrow lead. Going into a tie-break, Djokovic reeled him in winning it 7-3 from 3-3.

It was the opposite in Set Two as Djokovic went 4-1 up and looked to be surging towards the finishing line. But Djokovic made it 4-4 and from there he surged into the lead before it again went to a tiebreak. Michelsen kept fighting but so did Djokovic as he produced some magic to keep the American at bay. Some test and perhaps what he needed.