SHANGHAI — In a startling and concerning scene at the 2023 Rolex Shanghai Masters, tennis legend Novak Djokovic collapsed on the court during a practice session, prompting immediate medical attention and casting a shadow over his triumphant return to China. The incident occurred just days after he captured his record-breaking 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open, sending a wave of alarm through the tennis world.
The 36-year-old Serbian was engaged in a routine practice session on Court 15 at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena when he suddenly fell to the ground. According to eyewitness reports and videos that quickly circulated online, Djokovic remained on the court for several minutes while his team, including coach Goran Ivanišević and a physiotherapist, rushed to his side. Tournament doctors were swiftly summoned to the scene.
Immediate Medical Response and Vitals Check
The medical team was seen conducting a thorough check of Djokovic's vital signs as he lay on the blue hard court. They were observed checking his pulse, blood pressure, and responsiveness. After a few tense minutes, Djokovic was able to sit up and was eventually helped to his feet. He did not leave the court immediately but instead moved to a courtside bench where he continued to be monitored by the medical staff, sipping water and an electrolyte drink. A tournament spokesperson later confirmed the incident, stating, "Novak Djokovic received medical attention during his practice session and is now recovering in his hotel. The issue is not believed to be serious."
Speculation on the Cause of the Collapse
While the official cause was not immediately disclosed, the prevailing theory pointed to a combination of physical exhaustion and a viral bug. Djokovic had only recently arrived in Shanghai after a grueling North American hard-court season, culminating in his victory in New York. The long-haul travel, combined with a sudden change in time zones and climate, is a known challenge for even the fittest athletes. A member of his entourage, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested to reporters that the champion had been "feeling under the weather for a couple of days."
This incident highlights the immense physical toll the tennis calendar extracts from its top players. Djokovic's recent schedule leading up to the collapse was particularly demanding and included:
- A deep run at the Cincinnati Masters
- A victorious, physically taxing campaign at the US Open
- Immediate travel to Valencia for Davis Cup duties with Serbia
- A subsequent long-haul flight to Shanghai
Djokovic's History and Physical Prowess
Known for his almost superhuman flexibility, endurance, and dedication to a gluten-free, plant-based diet, Djokovic has rarely shown such visible signs of physical vulnerability on court. His fitness is a cornerstone of his success, allowing him to outlast younger opponents in marathon matches well into his late 30s. However, this episode served as a stark reminder that even the most finely tuned athletic machines are susceptible to the effects of fatigue and illness. His last significant health scare was during the 2020 US Open, where he was famously defaulted from the tournament after accidentally hitting a line judge with a ball, but a physical collapse of this nature was unprecedented in his recent career.
Fan and Player Reaction
The news and videos of the collapse spread rapidly across social media, sparking an outpouring of concern from fans and fellow players alike. Messages of support flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, with the hashtag #NoleFam trending globally. Many expressed hope for a swift recovery, while others questioned the wisdom of his packed schedule. Rival and friend Andy Murray was among those who commented, tweeting, "Hope Novak is ok. Seen the videos from Shanghai and it didn't look good. Wishing him a speedy recovery."
Impact on the Shanghai Masters Campaign
The immediate question on everyone's mind was whether Djokovic would be fit to compete in the tournament. He was scheduled to open his campaign in the second round against a qualifier, having received a first-round bye as the top seed. A tournament withdrawal would have been a massive blow to the event, which was making its post-pandemic return and had heavily promoted Djokovic's first appearance in China since 2019. The Serbian's last match in Shanghai was in 2019, when he won the title, and his return was highly anticipated by Chinese fans.
Following several hours of rest at his hotel, Djokovic's team released an update. His coach, Goran Ivanišević, told the press, "It was a combination of everything. A bit of exhaustion from the travel and the season, maybe a little virus. But he is a warrior. He is feeling much better now after resting. We will see how he feels tomorrow, but he is determined to play." This statement significantly alleviated fears of a withdrawal.
The Comeback and Dominant Performance
True to his champion's spirit, Djokovic did not withdraw. The following day, he took to the practice court again, albeit for a lighter, less strenuous session, and declared himself fit to compete. When he stepped onto the center court for his opening match, he received a roaring ovation from the relieved crowd. Any lingering concerns about his physical condition were swiftly put to rest as he delivered a masterclass, dispatching his opponent in straight sets with apparent ease. In his post-match press conference, he addressed the incident directly.
"It was a frightening feeling, I won't lie," Djokovic admitted. "I didn't feel great the previous day already, and then just the fatigue, the jet lag, everything kind of accumulated. I'm not 20 anymore, even though I want to believe I am. I have to listen to my body. I have an incredible team of people around me who make sure I recover as quickly as possible. I'm just grateful it wasn't anything more serious and that I was able to play today."
The incident in Shanghai became a powerful footnote in Djokovic's legendary 2023 season—a moment of human vulnerability that contrasted sharply with his otherwise invincible performances. It underscored the relentless demands of the professional tour and the delicate balance even the greatest athletes must maintain between pushing their limits and heeding their body's warnings. His ability to recover and compete at the highest level just a day later only added another layer to his legacy of resilience and unwavering competitive spirit.