Novak Djokovic collapsed to the floor in exhaustion during his round-of-16 clash with Jaume Munar at the Shanghai Masters, visibly overwhelmed by the sweltering heat and punishing humidity that have dominated this year’s tournament.
The former world No 1 looked drained and frustrated throughout the contest, requiring medical attention at the changeover in the third set as his body struggled to cope with the oppressive conditions.
Spectators watched in concern as Djokovic, drenched in sweat, bent over between points before finally slumping to the court, gasping for breath.
The Serb was seen having his vitals checked by tournament medics, highlighting just how extreme the playing environment in Shanghai has become.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
Humidity levels have hovered close to 80 per cent all week, with temperatures consistently above 30 degrees Celsius.
Djokovic, a veteran of countless grueling battles, admitted beforehand the conditions had pushed him to his limits - having vomited during his second fixture of the competition.
“It’s the same for every player out on the court, but it’s brutal,” he said.
Novak Djokovic collapsed to the floor in exhaustion during his round-of-16 clash with Jaume Munar at the Shanghai Masters, visibly overwhelmed by the sweltering heat and punishing humidity that have dominated this year’s tournament
|SKYSPORTS
“It’s brutal when you have over 80 per cent of humidity day after day, particularly for the guys playing during the day with the heat and the sun — it’s even more brutal.
“For me, biologically, it’s a bit more challenging to deal with it. But I had to really weather the storm today.”
His admission follows a spate of similar complaints from top players competing across China in recent weeks.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
WARRIOR STRENGTH ❤️🔥
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 7, 2025
Djokovic overcomes a BRUTAL battle against Munar!@DjokerNole #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/8mq91dtGYn
Jannik Sinner, Holger Rune and Casper Ruud have all struggled in the humid conditions, while Sinner was forced to retire from his first match in Shanghai due to severe cramping.
Even Djokovic, renowned for his exceptional fitness and discipline, appeared unable to escape the toll of the climate.
He did, however, eventually get the job done - winning 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 to make the last eight.
Rune, meanwhile, has also blasted conditions in Shanghai.
The tennis star called for a 'heat rule' to be introduced to help players cope with the sweltering heat.
“Yeah, I think there should be a heat rule like there are in the Grand Slam. I think every player would agree on that," he said after overcoming Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Novak Djokovic looked exhausted and delighted after winning at the Shanghai Masters
|REUTERS
“Today was better, as you say, today was less hot.
“But again, it was less hot, but if it was more normal temperature today would be very hot.
“I think it was like 31 degrees and very humid. But compared to the other days it was pretty brutal.
“So I think there should be some kind of rule. We can handle a certain amount of heat because, you know, we are fit, we're strong, we're mentally strong as well, but there's always a limit.
“I think it's also important to take care of your health. We need to survive.
“I think some kind of rule, you know, not that we should stop if it's just more than this, but like the Grand Slam, you know, they have a feeling on when it's a little bit too much, and we wait a little bit to see if it drops."