In an exciting Shanghai Masters second-round match, Novak Djokovic defeated Alex Michelsen 7-6(3), 7-6(9), overturning a slow start and moving one game closer to a century of career victories.

Along the way to victory, Djokovic had to face more than just the NextGen American's test of mettle; the 37-year-old had lost his composure after receiving a warning.

The event occurred in the second set of the match when the world No. 4 served with a 15–30 deficit and ran out of shot time, earning a time violation. Disappointed with the call, Djokovic swatted the ball away and confronted chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani, raising doubts about his assessment.

But Djokovic recovered fast, serving an ace before holding the serve. and he then fought back once more when Michelsen had two set points in the tie-break that decided the match later in the set.

Still with a protective wrap on his right knee, Djokovic will next take on the victor of Flavio Cobolli's match against former Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka, who is ranked 28th.