- by Quentin Flambé
- on 7 Oct, 2025
When Novak Djokovic, the 38‑year‑old Serbian tennis star, endured 30°C and 80% humidity to beat Jaume Munar, the Spanish challenger, 6‑3, 5‑7, 6‑2 at the Shanghai Masters on October 7, 2025, he proved once again why he’s the sport’s ultimate survivor.
The brutal Shanghai conditions
The outdoor courts at Shanghai MastersShanghai turned into a furnace. Temperature gauges hovered above 30 °C, and humidity spiked to 80 percent – a combo officials called “nearly unbearable.” Even the chair umpire on Court 3 admitted he was “sweating like just sitting here,” a sentiment echoed by players and staff alike.
It wasn’t just the heat. A sudden downpour forced the ATP 1000 event to shift several matches indoors, leaving players to adjust to a “strange and surreal” atmosphere that swung between blistering sun and damp wood.
Djokovic's fight through health scares
Mid‑second set, Djokovic collapsed after a 28‑stroke rally. Medics rushed in, checked his blood pressure, and helped him back to his chair. The Serbian brushed it off, saying, “I had to really weather the storm today.” He pushed through, taking the third set 6‑2 and booking a quarter‑final against Zizou Bergs of Belgium.
The night before, in the round of 16, he’d vomited on court against Yannick Hanfmann of Germany. “It was like my body rebelled,” Djokovic later told reporters. Yet he praised Hanfmann’s effort, calling the German’s play “incredible from the beginning.”
Other players feel the heat
Former doubles world number one Rohan Bopanna, teamed with Jean‑Julien Roger, complained to the umpire while battling sweat‑soaked wrist bands. “I never wear wrist bands,” he muttered, “but today the sweat is a river.”
Across the stadium, the duo of James Tracy and Robert Cash struggled to keep their grip on the racket, illustrating that the humidity was a universal enemy.
Calls for ATP action
The situation has reignited a debate that started years ago when Daniil Medvedev warned at the 2023 US Open that “one player is going to die.” Players, coaches, and even fans are now urging the ATP to implement stricter heat‑policy rules – mandatory cooling breaks, temperature thresholds, and even indoor‑only matches when humidity exceeds 75%.
“We love the sport, but we can’t gamble with lives,” said former World No. 1 Andy Murray in a post‑match interview. The ATP has yet to announce any concrete changes, leaving many to wonder if Shanghai will become a catalyst for reform.
What lies ahead for Djokovic
Now, with a quarter‑final spot secured, Djokovic faces a fresh challenge: a hungry Belgian in Zizou Bergs. Bergs, ranked No. 31, has been on a hot streak, and his baseline consistency could test the Serbian’s stamina.
Should the humidity stay this high, both players might need to rely on tactical pauses and smart water breaks. For Djokovic, the bigger question is whether his body can sustain another grueling three‑set battle without another medical episode.
Key Facts
- Date: October 7, 2025
- Location: Shanghai, China
- Score: Djokovic def. Munar 6‑3, 5‑7, 6‑2
- Temperature: >30 °C; Humidity: 80%
- Next round: Djokovic vs. Zizou Bergs (quarter‑final)
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the extreme weather affect Novak Djokovic’s performance?
Djokovic collapsed in the second set, needed a quick medical check, and later vomited in his prior match. The heat and humidity taxed his cardiovascular system, but his experience allowed him to adjust pacing and still secure the win.
What measures are players requesting from the ATP?
Players are calling for mandatory cooling breaks, stricter temperature‑humidity thresholds, and the option to move matches indoors when conditions exceed safe limits. They argue these steps would reduce health risks without compromising competition.
Who will Novak Djokovic face in the quarter‑finals?
He will meet Belgium’s Zizou Bergs, a powerful baseliner who has been in solid form this season. Bergs’ aggressive play could test Djokovic’s endurance under the lingering humidity.
Did other players also complain about the conditions?
Yes. Former doubles champion Rohan Bopanna and his partner Jean‑Julien Roger struggled with sweat‑soaked grips, while the chair umpire admitted he was “sweating like just sitting here.” Even indoor matches felt the humidity’s after‑effects.
How does this event compare to previous heat‑related controversies?
The Shanghai episode mirrors the 2023 US Open, where Daniil Medvedev warned of life‑threatening conditions. Both tournaments saw players collapse or require medical aid, sparking renewed calls for the ATP to prioritize player safety over scheduling demands.