Shanghai Masters: Novak Djokovic Battles Through Pain to Stay in Tournament
Novak Djokovic battled through exhaustion and an ankle injury scare to secure a 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 win over Spain's Jaume Munar, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters.
Despite struggling with physical discomfort and heat exhaustion, Djokovic's experience and determination ultimately paid off, setting up a quarterfinal match against Zizou Bergs...
Novak Djokovic demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, overcoming exhaustion and an ankle injury scare to defeat Jaume Munar 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 and reach the quarterfinals of the Shanghai Masters. Despite struggling with the heat and physical discomfort, Djokovic's experience and skill ultimately paid off, securing his spot in the next round.
The victory keeps Djokovic on track as the favourite to take a record-extending fifth title in the Chinese financial hub, with other top seeds already withdrawn or knocked out.
Turning up the heat 🔥@djokernole | @SH_RolexMasters | #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/FHcvUZrJBJ
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 7, 2025
The 38-year-old almost looked like he might not be able to continue when the match went to a decider, but he conjured up the energy to break his decade-younger opponent twice in the third set.
“Thank you, thank you, everyone, I love you!” he shouted in Chinese to the adoring crowd before leaving court almost immediately after play finished.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion had a good start, breaking in the fourth game, but shortly afterwards had to take a medical break when his left ankle slid out behind him as he rushed towards the net.
Novak Djokovic's match against Jaume Munar was a true test of endurance. After twisting his ankle and grimacing in pain, he received treatment from the on-court physio but managed to continue playing. Despite his discomfort, Djokovic held his serve in the fifth game, showcasing his determination and grit.
The match was an intense battle, with Serbian fans waving flags and cheering Djokovic on. Despite the challenging conditions and his physical struggles, Djokovic's determination and skill ultimately earned him a spot in the quarterfinals.
Novak Djokovic's match against Jaume Munar took a dramatic turn when he collapsed to the floor, overcome by exhaustion. His team rushed to his side as he lay splayed out on the court, chest heaving for air. However, the Serbian tennis star showed remarkable resilience, picking himself up and refocusing for the third set.
Never Count Him Out! 💪@DjokerNole overcomes physical struggles to record a 6-3 5-7 6-2 win over Munar to advance into the quarter-finals@SH_RolexMasters | #RolexShanghaiMasters
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 7, 2025
pic.twitter.com/MfHuec7JaM
Novak Djokovic is the highest-ranked player remaining in the Shanghai Masters, a testament to his enduring skill and determination. The tournament has seen the early exits of top seeds, including world number one Carlos Alcaraz, who withdrew to rest, and second, third, and fourth-ranked Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Taylor Fritz, who were all eliminated from the competition.
The Shanghai Masters has been marred by injuries, with players struggling to cope with the extreme temperatures and humidity levels. Temperatures have soared above 30 degrees Celsius, while humidity levels have peaked at over 80 percent, taking a toll on the players' physical condition. Several top players, including Sinner and Zverev, have been forced to retire or withdraw due to injuries, sparking concerns about player safety and welfare.
The extreme weather conditions in Shanghai have led to calls for the ATP to introduce a heat rule to protect players from the risks associated with extreme temperatures and humidity. World number 11 Holger Rune has been vocal about the need for a heat policy, citing the challenges he faced during the tournament. The ATP has confirmed that it is reviewing its policies regarding player health and safety in extreme weather conditions.
Holger Rune is urging tennis authorities to implement a heat policy to protect players from extreme weather conditions. This comes after his fellow competitor, Jannik Sinner, was forced to retire from the Shanghai Masters due to severe cramps. Rune's call for change follows his own struggles in the tournament, where he managed to secure a spot in the quarterfinals after defeating Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-4, 6-7(7), 6-3.
Novak Djokovic, who is set to face Zizou Bergs in the quarterfinals, described the conditions as “brutal” after his win against Yannick Hanfmann.
Quarterfinal Matchups
The Shanghai Masters quarterfinals are set to feature some exciting matchups, including:
Holger Rune vs. Valentin Vacherot: Rune's call for a heat policy highlights the challenges players face in extreme weather conditions.
Novak Djokovic vs. Zizou Bergs: Djokovic, who is chasing a record-extending fifth Shanghai title, secured a win against Yannick Hanfmann 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.
Other Matchups: More information on the quarterfinal matchups will be available once the draw is finalized.
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