Djokovic Battles Injury, Heat to Reach Shanghai QFs

Djokovic Battles Injury and Heat to Reach Shanghai Quarter-Finals

Novak Djokovic showed trademark resilience to overcome injury setbacks and punishing heat as he advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Shanghai Masters with a gritty 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 victory over Jaume Munar.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion, aiming for his fifth title in Shanghai, endured physical discomfort throughout the match, particularly an issue with his left ankle that required multiple visits from the trainer.

Grimacing Through the Pain

Djokovic, 37, first called for a medical timeout after breaking early to lead 3-1 in the opening set. He grimaced during treatment but returned to the court and managed to close out the set despite visible discomfort.

The Serb’s struggles continued into the second set, with Munar capitalizing on Djokovic’s physical limitations to break at 5-4 and force a decider. The world number five fell to the court in exhaustion following a brutal rally late in the second, needing assistance to his chair and having his blood pressure checked by the physio team.

Champion’s Grit in the Decider

Despite looking physically depleted, Djokovic returned for the third set with renewed determination. He broke Munar immediately and added another break to lead 5-2. With a final hold of serve, he secured victory in two hours and 41 minutes.

The win follows Sunday’s vomiting episode during his previous round against Yannick Hanfmann, another match played in over 30°C heat and 80% humidity.

Quarter-Final Test Against Bergs

Djokovic now prepares to face world number 44 Ziziou Bergs, who produced a comeback win over 31st seed Gabriel Diallo — 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (10-8) — to reach the last eight.

Elsewhere, 10th seed Holger Rune defeated Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-4, 6-7 (7-9), 6-3 in another draining encounter.

Rune Calls for ATP Heat Rule

Following his win, Rune joined growing voices demanding change on the ATP Tour:

“It’s brutal when you have over 80% humidity day after day,” said the Dane.

“Particularly for guys playing during the day — with the sun, it’s even more brutal.”

Currently, the ATP lacks a formal heat rule, unlike Grand Slams where play can be suspended or breaks introduced based on heat stress levels.

As extreme conditions persist across China, player welfare is fast becoming a major storyline in this year’s Asian swing.