Novak Djokovic is experiencing one of the toughest physical battles of the season at the Shanghai Masters. The veteran passed two obstacles in brutal heat and humidity, even vomiting on the court during the third-round clash against Yannick Hanfmann.
Despite the scare, the Serb fought through fatigue and discomfort to prevail 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in two hours and 42 minutes, reaching the last 16 for the 11th time from as many trips to Shanghai.
The conditions in Shanghai have tested every player in the opening three rounds. Humidity levels hover around 80% and temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.
Djokovic who has always prided himself on physical preparation and mental discipline, was forced to dig deep and rely on experience to turn the encounter against Hanfmanaround after a slower start.
Like in the opening duel against Marin Cilic, the Serb maintained his composure in key moments and outlasted his rival with tactical precision and resilience. Carried by his favorite Chinese crowd, Novak provided two breaks that sent him over the top.
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The 38-year-old is seeking a deep run at the event where he lifted four trophies between 2012 and 2018. With Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz not on his path, the Belgrade native will seek his 41st Masters 1000 trophy, the first since Paris two years ago.
Djokovic's next rival? Jaume Munar, in their first battle since the 2018 Roland Garros when the Serb prevailed in three tight sets.
"The conditions are the same for everyone. However, it's brutal to compete when you have 80% humidity day after day, especially for those who play in the morning when the sun makes things even worse.
Biologically, it's more challenging for me to deal with these kinds of things. Alongside the conditions, I had to dig deep to beat Yannick today," Novak Djokovic said.
