Novak Djokovic collapses in Shanghai heat, makes Masters history

10 Oct

by Chantelle Poirier 5 Comments

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.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Novak Djokovic’s collapse affect his chances at Wimbledon?

Djokovic’s medical team will monitor his recovery closely. If the Achilles issue and heat‑related fatigue are resolved, he could still be a contender at Wimbledon, though any lingering weakness might force him to adjust his training schedule.

What heat‑policy changes are being discussed for future ATP events?

The ATP is reviewing options such as mandatory mid‑set cooling breaks, stricter temperature thresholds for play, and increased on‑court medical staffing. Organizers may also shift match times to cooler evenings.

Did Emma Raducanu’s collapse happen during the same tournament?

Raducanu’s incident occurred at a concurrent women’s event in China, not the men’s Shanghai Masters. The coincidence highlighted that the extreme conditions were affecting multiple tours.

What measures can players take to protect themselves in extreme heat?

Staying well‑hydrated, using electrolyte drinks, shortening warm‑up periods, and employing cooling vests during breaks are common strategies. Some players also adjust their nutrition to include more salts ahead of hot matches.

How did the crowd react to the collapse?

Spectators were visibly concerned, with many standing and watching anxiously as medical staff tended to Djokovic. Cheers turned into murmurs of support once he resumed play, reflecting both admiration and worry.

Tags: Novak Djokovic Shanghai Masters heat collapse Jaume Munar tennis safety

Chantelle Poirier

I am a seasoned journalist based in Durban, specializing in daily news coverage. My passion is to shed light on local news events and global trends. I strive to bring unbiased and factual reporting to my readers. Each story I write is crafted with meticulous attention to detail to ensure clarity and impact. Journalism is not just my job; it's a way to connect with the world.

5 Comments

Shankar Pandey

The heat scandal reveals our sport's moral decay, a true testament to negligence.

avinash pandey

In the thermodynamic continuum of elite competition, the physiological stressors imposed by ambient humidity constitute a non‑trivial variable. This variable, when intersected with the biomechanical demands of high‑velocity baseline rallies, precipitates a cascade of homeostatic perturbations. Djokovic's collapse serves as an empirical datum underscoring the inadequacy of current protocol thresholds. The ATP's regulatory framework appears antiquated, clinging to legacy tolerances. One must advocate for a paradigmatic shift toward evidence‑based environmental safeguards.

Dhea Avinda Lase

Honestly, the heat factor was insane. Players need to stay hydrated and the organizers should consider cooling breaks. It’s not just about performance, it’s about safety. The stats in the article line up with what we’ve seen in other tournaments. Hope the ATP takes this seriously.

Vinay Agrawal

Man, watching Djokovic vomit on court was so cruuuuushing. The humidity was like a wet blanket on every player’s shoulders. I think the real issue is that the organiizers are more worried about TV ratings than the players’ health. The crowd even looked like they were about to faint themselves. Seriously, this needs to change.

Aakanksha Ghai

While the emotional reaction is understandable, it’s crucial we frame this as a public health concern rather than a spectacle. The physiological toll of 30 °C and 80 % humidity is well documented, and athletes are entitled to safe conditions. Blaming the players for pushing through ignores systemic responsibility. Let’s push for stricter heat policies that protect everyone on court.