Pursuing a 100th career title, Novak Djokovic had an easier time in his second match at the Shanghai Masters in ousting Flavio Cobolli.

Djokovic most recently played on August 30, 2024 in the Round of 32 of the US Open and was taken down 4-6, 4-6, 6-2, 4-6 by No. 28-ranked Alexei Popyrin. Over the past two years, Safiullin and Djokovic have played one time in the Round of 32 of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, and Djokovic was the victor 6-1, 6-2.

Novak Djokovic will face off against rising Italian star Flavio Cobolli in the last-32 of the Shanghai Masters on Tuesday, with the 22-year-old admitting he 'likes to defend but also counter-attack' just like his idol.