Shanghai Masters: Novak Djokovic Kicks Off With Perfect Start, Beats Denis Shapovalov In Opener

Novak Djokovic kicked off title defense breezing through the match against Denis Shapovalov in a straight-set 6-3, 6-3 win in the opener of the Rolex Shanghai Masters.

Denis put up a strong resilience against Djokovic until 4-3 when he claimed a breakpoint and moved on to win the set. The second set was yet not an easy one to win but the world no. 1 seized an opportunity gained at 2-2 over a loose service game from the Canadian to control the set and move up for a 5-3 lead en route victory.

"I knew that Denis is very dangerous player," Djokovic said. "If he has time, if he's feeling the ball well, it can be a tough match. He was serving really well."

The victory extended the four-time champion his win streak over the 20-year-old to 3-0 in ATP FedEx career series meetings. They met for the first time in the Australian Open in January and thereafter in the Italian Open.

He added, "Just really difficult to return in the first set, so it took me a little bit of time to really adjust, start reading his serve a little bit better. But I thought I served really well. I used angles. I was very solid from back of the court."

In a bid to extend title run in Shanghai, Djokovic will face in the third round 16th seed John Isner who defeated France's Lucas Pouille in straight sets, 7-5, 6-3.