SHANGHAI — Novak Djokovic, the world's top-ranked player, secured a hard-fought victory against German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann at the Rolex Shanghai Masters on Wednesday, but the match was overshadowed by a concerning physical episode that saw the 24-time Grand Slam champion visibly ill on the court.
Djokovic, playing his first match in China since 2019, ultimately triumphed 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-1 to advance to the third round. However, the straightforward scoreline of the final set belied the immense struggle he endured in the second set and the early part of the third, where the humid conditions and intense physical exertion took a severe toll.
The pivotal moment came at 1-1 in the deciding set. After a grueling rally, Djokovic retreated to the back of the court, bent over, and vomited into a courtside bin. The incident prompted immediate concern from his team and the stadium crowd. After a brief pause, the Serbian warrior resumed play, but the ordeal was far from over.
A "Brutal" Battle Against the Elements
Following the match, Djokovic did not mince words when describing the physical challenge. He attributed his distress to a combination of factors, with the oppressive humidity at the top of the list. "It was a brutal conditions, brutal match," Djokovic stated in his post-match press conference. "One of the most humid days we have had so far. I mean, I have experienced that in my life, you know, a couple of times, vomiting on the court and feeling very dizzy."
He elaborated on the physical sensations, explaining that it wasn't just fatigue but a complete systemic shutdown. "It's not the first time. I have this kind of experience before. I just had to kind of go through it, and eventually I guess the third set was much better." His ability to not only continue but to dominate the final set, losing only one game, was a testament to his legendary physical and mental resilience.
From Sickness to Dominance in the Decider
The visual of Djokovic's physical struggle was stark, but what followed was arguably more impressive. After the medical timeout and a change of clothes, he returned to the court a different player. He immediately broke Hanfmann's serve and raced to a 5-0 lead, showcasing a level of energy that seemed impossible just minutes earlier.
Djokovic explained his mindset during this critical turnaround: "I didn't feel great throughout the entire match, to be honest, except the third set, where I felt I could swing through the ball a bit more." He credited the brief break and his body's ability to recover for the sudden shift in momentum.
The key factors that allowed Djokovic to recover and close out the match so emphatically included:
- Medical Intervention: A quick medical assessment and anti-nausea medication.
- Change of Attire: Putting on fresh, dry clothes.
- Mental Fortitude: His unparalleled ability to reset and focus.
Hanfmann, who had played a brilliant second-set tiebreak to level the match, seemed unable to cope with Djokovic's resurgence. The German's error count rose as the Serb began hitting with more depth and authority, effectively shutting down any hope of an upset.
A Rocky Start to the Asian Swing and Chasing History
This match in Shanghai was only Djokovic's second since his triumphant US Open victory last month, which tied Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 major singles titles. His return to competition in China has been highly anticipated, marking his first appearance in the country since winning the title in Beijing in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The physical struggle against Hanfmann raises questions about his readiness for the final stretch of the season, though Djokovic himself was pragmatic. "I didn't have much time to really prepare for this tournament," he admitted, referencing his limited match play since New York.
The Pursuit of Year-End No. 1
Beyond just winning titles in Shanghai and the upcoming ATP Finals, a major goal for Djokovic is securing the year-end World No. 1 ranking for a record-extending eighth time. He is in a tight battle with Spanish rival Carlos Alcaraz, and every match win is crucial in the Race to Turin. Surviving a scare like this and earning the points could prove invaluable in that quest.
Djokovic reflected on the importance of such gritty wins: "I struggled a lot physically in the second set. I’m proud of myself for pushing through. A win is a win, and sometimes you need these kinds of matches to build momentum."
Reactions and the Road Ahead in Shanghai
The tennis world reacted with a mix of concern and awe at Djokovic's performance. Commentators and fellow players took to social media, praising his never-say-die attitude. The incident served as a powerful reminder that even the fittest athletes can be vulnerable to extreme conditions.
With the victory, Djokovic sets up a third-round clash with either 31st seed Adrian Mannarino or Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic. He will be hoping for cooler conditions and a more straightforward path to victory as he continues his campaign for a fifth Shanghai Masters title.
Ultimately, the match will be remembered not for the score, but for the raw display of human endurance. Djokovic's "brutal" description was apt, but it was his brutal efficiency in overcoming that brutality that once again cemented his status as one of the toughest competitors the sport has ever seen.