Novak Djokovic collapses in Shanghai heat, makes Masters history

When Novak Djokovic, a 38‑year‑old Serbian professional tennis player went down on the court during his round‑of‑16 clash with Spain’s Jaume Munar, the whole tennis world took notice. The drama unfolded on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, at the Shanghai Masters Qi Zhong Stadium, China, where temperatures hovered around 30 °C and humidity peaked at 80 %.

Here’s the thing: Djokovic fought back after a brutal first set, won it 6‑3, then a grueling second set slipped away 5‑7, before clinching the decider 6‑2. In the middle of that second set, the Serbian star vomited, crouched repeatedly, and finally collapsed at 3:47 PM China Standard Time. Medical staff checked his vitals, gave a five‑minute timeout, and he somehow steadied enough to finish the match. The win made him the oldest player – at 38 – to reach a quarter‑final in an ATP Masters 1000 event.

Heat and health: why the conditions mattered

The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) schedules the Masters 1000 series as the pinnacle of men’s tennis outside the Grand Slams. Yet even the ATP’s heat‑policy guidelines struggled to keep up with Shanghai’s sweltering autumn. Players reported feeling light‑headed, and the open retractable roof offered no respite.

• Temperature: 30 °C (86 °F)
• Humidity: 80 %
• Match length: 2 hours 41 minutes
• Scoreline: 6‑3, 5‑7, 6‑2
• Age record: 38 years – oldest Masters 1000 quarter‑finalist

Scientists say that at those humidity levels, sweat evaporates far slower, dramatically raising core body temperature. For a player dealing with a lingering left Achilles issue – which Djokovic received treatment for early in the match – the extra strain was enough to tip the balance.

Other players feel the heat

Djokovic wasn’t the only one who paid the price. British talent Emma Raducanu collapsed during a separate event in China, prompting concerns about the broader impact on both men’s and women’s tours. Australian No. 1 Alex de Minaur was slated to face Portugal’s Nuno Borges the next day, hoping to secure his own quarter‑final spot amid the oppressive conditions.

Fans described the stadium’s atmosphere as “oppressive,” with many spectators fanning themselves with programs while the players battled dehydration. The tournament’s director declined to comment publicly, but insiders said the decision to keep the roof open was partly driven by broadcast commitments.

Reactions from the tennis community

After the match, Djokovic posted on X, writing, “Tough day at the office. Very challenging physically. Luckily, I have the greatest support in the world.” The tweet amassed over 150,000 likes within two hours, underscoring both the drama and the concern fans felt for his wellbeing.

Former world‑number‑one Andre Agassi, now an ATP board member, said, “We have to rethink heat protocols. Players deserve safe conditions, not a test of endurance.” Meanwhile, sports‑medicine experts pointed out that the ATP’s current rule – allowing play unless a player is outright incapacitated – may need tightening.

What this means for future tournaments

Organizers of the 2026 edition are already exploring options: more frequent cooling breaks, mandatory hydration stations, and possibly a schedule shift to evenings when temperatures dip. If the ATP adopts stricter standards, we could see a ripple effect across all outdoor events, from the US Open to the Australian Open’s early‑season heat.

For Djokovic, the immediate concern is recovery. His medical team will likely run a battery of tests to assess the Achilles strain and any heat‑related complications. A return to full fitness could affect his Wimbledon preparations, where the grass courts bring their own set of physical demands.

Key takeaways

In short, the Shanghai Masters served as a stark reminder that climate change isn’t just a future problem – it’s influencing sport today. Players, organizers, and fans alike are forced to reckon with the reality of competing in conditions once considered “just a bit hot.”