Novak Djokovic vs Marin Cilic prediction, betting tips & odds, head-to-head, preview: Shanghai Masters 2025

Djokovic will play his first non-Grand Slam event since May.

Novak Djokovic is set to return at the Shanghai Masters 2025, marking his first appearance since the US Open. The 38-year-old has won the Masters 1000 event four times (2012, 2013, 2015, 2018) and was a finalist last year, where he fell to Jannik Sinner.

This will be his 14th appearance at the tournament, as he looks to challenge the dominance of Sinner once again, this time in the best-of-three format.

Despite reaching the semi-finals at all four Grand Slams in 2025, the Serbian has struggled to secure major titles, courtesy Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

Currently seeded No. 4, Djokovic will aim to capture a record fifth Shanghai crown and 41st Masters title, which would also make him the oldest champion in tournament history, surpassing Roger Federer’s 2017 milestone at age 36.

Match details

• Tournament: Shanghai Open 2025
• Round: Round 2
• Date: October 3
• Venue: Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, Shanghai
• Surface: Hard Court

Preview

The 35-year-old, Marin Cilic, has struggled to make an impact in 2025, with Challenger titles in Girona and Nottingham standing out as his best results.

A former Shanghai semi-finalist in 2017, where he fell to Rafael Nadal, Cilic trails Djokovic 2-19 in their head-to-head, with his most recent win over the Serb coming back in the 2018 Queen’s Club final.

Cilic began his Shanghai Masters 2025 campaign with straight sets win over Nikoloz Basilashvili, 6-3, 7-6(5), in one hour and 29 minutes. The Croatian fired 17 aces, won 89% of his first-serve points, and converted the only break point he earned, showcasing strong serving and composure in the key moments.

Form

• Novak Djokovic: L-W-W-W-W
• Marin Cilic: W-L-L-L-L

Head-to-head record

• Matches: 21
• Djokovic: 19
• Cilic: 2

Also Read: Shanghai Masters: Full list of title winners

Stats

Novak Djokovic

• Djokovic has a 31-9 win-loss record in the 2025 season
• Djokovic has a 39-6 win-loss record in Shanghai
• Djokovic has won 84% of matches played on hard courts

Marin Cilic

• Cilic has a 23-16 win-loss record in the 2025 season
• Cilic has a 8-11 win-loss record in Shanghai
• Cilic has won 63% of the matches played on hard courts

Novak Djokovic vs Marin Cilic: Betting tips and odds

• Moneyline: Djokovic -1115, Cilic +800
• Spread: Djokovic -4.5 (-118), Cilic +5.5 (-146)
• Total Games: Over 20.5 (-120), Under 21.5 (-130)
• 1st Set Moneyline: Djokovic -550, Cilic +400
• 1st Set Total Games: Over 9.5 (-110), Under 9.5 (-104)

Match prediction

Djokovic’s stellar lead of 19-2 over the Croatian in their head-to-head, including a dominant 9-0 record on hard courts, gives him a massive psychological advantage. While Cilic’s serve can keep him competitive, Djokovic’s superior return game and consistency make him the clear favourite.

If the Serb finds his rhythm early, he is likely to extend his dominance and book a comfortable passage into the third round.

Result: Novak Djokovic to win in straight sets.

Where and how to watch live telecast and streaming of Novak Djokovic vs Marin Cilic, second-round match at Shanghai Masters 2025?

Indian viewers can watch the ATP-1000 round-two match between Djokovic and Cilic on Sony Sports network and Sony Liv app. Sky Sports will broadcast the contest live in the United Kingdom. The Tennis Channel is the official broadcaster in the United States.

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