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Djokovic became the first man to record 40 or more wins at six different ATP Masters 1000 events since the series introduction in 1990 (Rome 68, Indian Wells 51, Paris 50, Miami 49, Cincinnati 45).

But he had to put sawdust on his hands to combat the humidity in Shanghai, which had him struggling to maintain grip early on in the match.

Cilic blasted 20 winners in the first set alone, which went the distance, Djokovic eventually winning the tiebreak.

Djokovic struck more cleanly in the second set from both sides of the court to earn a hard-fought victory after one hour and 55 minutes.

“I struggled to find my rhythm from the baseline,” Djokovic said.

“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. 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.

“Tonnes of respect for Marin, all he has achieved and who he is as a person.

“We get along very well off the court, we’ve known each other for some many years. The last time we played was three years ago, so it’s great to see him back playing at this level.”

Returning to Shanghai for the first time since his loss to Jannik Sinner in last year’s final, Djokovic could face the Italian once again if they both progress to the semi-finals in 2025.

He next faces Yannick Hanfmann, who continued his run from qualifying to upset No.25 seed Frances Tiafoe.

Djokovic has reached the semi-finals at all four Majors this year, but his Masters 1000 campaigns have not been so consistent.

A runner-up finish in Miami is bookended by early exits in Indian Wells, Monte-Carlo, and Madrid.

Now, in Shanghai, one of his happiest hunting grounds, Djokovic is aiming to reset the balance.