exactly what happened with the tennis legend Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion known for his discipline and fitness regime. Today, he stunned his fans after being seen vomiting on court and struggling with cramps and exhaustion during back-to-back matches at the 2025 Shanghai Masters.
The 38-year-old Serbian fought through oppressive 30°C temperatures and 80% humidity, which have already forced several top players to retire mid-match. Despite physical distress and a left leg injury, Djokovic displayed his trademark resilience to win consecutive three-set thrillers—first against Yannick Hanfmann (4-6, 7-5, 6-3), and then versus Jaume Munar (6-3, 5-7, 6-2)—to reach the quarter-finals.
Novak Djokovic: A Champion Tested to His Limits
Djokovic took a medical timeout midway through the Munar clash. Moreover, he was seen lying flat on his back in exhaustion. In addition, cameras also caught him vomiting multiple times during the early match, using ice towels between games to keep his temperature down.
Djokovic admitted while speaking after his win, “It is the same for every player, but it’s brutal… With over 80 percent humidity day after day, it becomes biologically more challenging to deal with it. I had to really weather the storm today.”
His honest admission about his physical limits drew widespread appreciation from fans across the world, including in the UAE. It highlights that even the toughest competitor in sports can falter under extreme conditions.
Tournament Turns into a Survival Contest
The ATP 1000 Shanghai Masters has turned into a test of endurance more than skill. This is because World No. 2 Jannik Sinner also retired in his match due to cramping. Similarly, Arthur Rinderknech said that he was struggling to breathe during his match. Moreover, Tallon Griekspoor described the humidity of the region as incredibly brutal.
On the other hand, many believe the experience and mental fortitude of Novak Djokovic, as he remains the highest-ranked player left in the tournament. Still, his struggle in today’s matches shows he was also having difficulty playing in this extreme weather.
On the other hand, the temperature is showing no sign of relief in the upcoming days. So, now the questions have arisen – how many more stars will be trapped in this brutal weather trap before the final? We hope organizers will do something to help players play easily in these conditions.
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