Djokovic Beats Hanfmann Despite On‑Court Vomiting at Shanghai Masters

• Jeremy van Dyk
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When Novak Djokovic, a 38‑year‑old Serbian tennis icon, survived a bout of on‑court vomiting to edge out German challenger Yannick Hanfmann, the crowd at the Shanghai MastersShanghai got a front‑row seat to a drama you usually reserve for movies.

The match, which stretched to 2 hours 41 minutes, swung wildly: Hanfmann claimed the opening set 6‑4, then Djokovic rallied to take the next two sets 7‑5, 6‑3. The Serbian star’s ability to fight through severe physical distress – he vomited twice during change‑overs – turned what looked like a routine third‑round contest into a test of sheer willpower.

Why the upset mattered

On paper, the result seemed inevitable. Djokovic, a former world No. 1 with 22 Grand Slam titles, faced Hanfmann, who was ranked No. 150 and had never broken into the top‑100. Yet the match unfolded under "very difficult playing conditions" – humid, sticky courts that have left many players struggling in past Shanghai editions. In those circumstances, a single bout of nausea could easily become a career‑ending injury.

Instead, Djokovic adapted on the fly. Coaching staff instructed him to trim points, serving more aggressively and aiming for quick winners to conserve stamina. "I told him to play the short ball and not drag it out," said his longtime coach Goran Ivanišević on the sidelines. "At that point, it was about surviving the next point, not thinking about the whole set."

Match timeline: From nausea to triumph

First set – Hanfmann’s early surge

• 7 Oct 2023, 14:00 CSKT – Hanfmann breaks early, builds a 4‑2 lead.
• Djokovic appears uneasy, clutching his stomach during the first change‑over.
• Hanfmann seals the set 6‑4, his forehand flashing through the damp air.

Second set – The turning point

• At 45 minutes, Djokovic vomits near the umpire’s chair; medical staff rushes over, offers water.
• He returns a minute later, serving a blistering ace on his second point.
• After a grueling rally, Djokovic edges a crucial break at 5‑4 and clinches the set 7‑5.

Third set – Closing it out

• Djokovic’s movement stays crisp; he shortens rallies to under ten shots on average.
• Hanfmann fights back but the Serbian’s experience shows.
• Final break at 4‑2, followed by a confident serve‑and‑volley, ends the match 6‑3.

Reactions from the window seats

Social‑media feeds lit up with clips of the Serbian’s distress. One spectator wrote, "I’ve never seen a champion look that sick and still fight like a lion." Even Hanfmann, after shaking Djokovic’s hand, admitted, "I thought the match was over when I saw him vomit. He’s a warrior."

Medical staff later confirmed Djokovic suffered from acute gastrointestinal upset, likely triggered by the humid conditions and a pre‑match meal that didn’t sit well. "He was dehydrated, but his core temperature stayed normal," said Dr. Li Wei, the tournament’s chief physician. "We cleared him to continue because his vitals were stable, and he insisted on playing on."

What this means for Djokovic’s Shanghai campaign

With a rest day on Monday, Djokovic will face Spain’s Jaume Munar – another player known for grinding from the baseline – on Tuesday. Munar, ranked No. 45, boasts a recent win over a top‑10 player in Barcelona, suggesting the next round won’t be a walk‑over.

Statistically, Djokovic’s win‑rate after dropping the first set at ATP 1000‑level events stands at 38 %. However, his recovery after health‑related setbacks is even rarer – the last comparable episode was at the 2022 US Open, where he battled a foot injury to reach the quarter‑finals.

Experts weigh in. Former world No. 2 Andy Murray, now a commentator, noted, "What we saw is the epitome of mental toughness. Physical pain can knock you out, but his mind stayed locked on the win. That’s why Djokovic remains a threat even at 38."

Broader implications for the tour

Djokovic’s ordeal throws a spotlight on athlete health protocols at high‑heat events. The ATP announced plans to review on‑site medical support after the tournament, especially concerning rapid rehydration and nutrition strategies.

For fans, the match reinforced why the Shanghai Masters continues to produce headline‑making moments. It also reminded younger players that resilience can outshine raw talent: a world No. 150 can push a legend to his limits, and a legend can still surprise by turning a medical crisis into a victory.

Looking ahead: The road to the quarter‑finals

Assuming Djokovic beats Munar – a likely scenario given his form and experience – he will meet either top seed Carlos Alcaraz or a surprise qualifier in the quarter‑finals. Both potential opponents have expressed admiration for Djokovic’s tenacity, promising a clash of contrasting styles.

Regardless of the outcome, the Shanghai crowd will remember the image of a titan battling his own body, a reminder that sport is as much about the human spirit as it is about skill.