Novak Djokovic fights through illness to outlast Hanfmann in Shanghai

Novak Djokovic survived a serious scare at the Shanghai Masters on Sunday, needing all three sets (4-6, 7-5, 6-3) to take down a phenomenal challenge from German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann.

The four-time champion was visibly struggling with illness during the nearly three-hour marathon — one of his longest matches of the 2025 season.

Despite being outplayed for significant stretches, the veteran found the resolve, energized by the packed house at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, to push through to the fourth round against Spain’s Jaume Munar.

Djokovic was clear about the tough playing conditions: “It’s brutal when you have over 80 per cent of humidity day after day… I had to really weather the storm today.” He praised Hanfmann’s “incredible match,” noting the conditions were “biologically a bit more challenging” for him.

Hanfmann, the world No. 150, almost delivered one of the tournament’s biggest shocks. He kept Djokovic under pressure the whole time with aggressive, varied shots, stacking up 33 winners and 13 aces (including four consecutive aces in the first set).

Had he pulled it off, he would have been the lowest-ranked player to ever beat Djokovic at a Masters 1000 event.

The 38-year-old’s physical condition turned the match into high drama. Djokovic was seen vomiting during a second-set changeover and began shortening rallies to conserve energy.

Yet, he somehow kept level, breaking serve at 6-5 to save the set and ignite the crowd. The fourth seed took control in the decider with an early break, closing out the win to improve to 2-0 against Hanfmann.

“I’m grinding for almost three hours, third round of a Masters at 38 with the full stadium cheering my name. It’s a dream come true for me so I’m very thankful,” said Djokovic, who is now 33-10 for the year.

In earlier play, Munar booked his first hard-court ATP Masters 1000 fourth-round appearance by beating Yoshihito Nishioka 6-4, 5-7, 6-1. Djokovic will face him on Tuesday, holding a 1-0 lead in their previous meetings.