Making his first return to Shanghai since 2019, Djokovic acknowledged the prospect of successful a landmark title is giving him “further motivation” within the ATP 1000 occasion.
Djokovic, a file four-time champion, has gained extra matches on the occasion than every other participant.
With a bunch of different top-10 gamers remaining within the draw, together with Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev, harder exams undoubtedly lie forward.
However, in his first ATP event since a shock third-round exit on the US Open 5 weeks in the past, fourth seed Djokovic has seemed sharp.
Inflicting issues for opponents by serving exactly and overwhelming them within the baseline exchanges, he has not dropped a set in opposition to American teenager Alex Michelsen, Italian world quantity 30 Flavio Cobolli and now Safiullin.
“I am having fun with myself on the court docket and while you play effectively you feel good, there may be a variety of pleasure in putting a tennis ball,” added Djokovic.
“These matches and sensations are the explanation why I nonetheless play.
“I imagine I can play at a excessive degree and it is about protecting that consistency.”