Novak Djokovic defies discomfort and illness to outlast Yannick Hanfmann

Sunday, 05 October 2025 at 15:52

Novak Djokovic had to joust with discomfort and illness as he saw off Yannick Hanfmann coming from a set down to do it 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 at the Shanghai Masters.

Djokovic was in danger throughout as he saw off the German qualifier as the record four-time champion was outplayed throughout. But he dug deep late on with the crowd firmly on his side as he won through in two hours and 45 minutes. His second longest match in 2025. He now faces Jaume Munar in the fourth round.

The first set in particular saw Djokovic firmly on upset watch with Hanfmann's variety adding to the illness causing him major problems. Djokovic appeared to vomit during a changeover and began shortening the points to regain control. He hit 33 winners including 13 aces, he couldn't hold off Djokovic.

Djokovic levelled from there with the crowd roaring and from there he secured an early break in the decider and powered through to victory. He is now up to 2-0 in his Head-to-Head record. Facing a third break point in the third game, Djokovic saw Hanfmann mishit forehand floated over his head as his luck did not come good. Djokovic is now into the Last 16 for the 11th time in as many appearances.

“It's the same for every player out on the court, but it's brutal,” Djokovic said. “It's brutal when you have over 80 per cent of humidity day after day, particularly for the guys when they're playing during the day with heat, with 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. Yannick played an incredible match from the beginning.”

Jannik Sinner ends the day with Valentin Vacherot the other winner seeing off Tomas Machac who retired midway through the second set once again.

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José Morgado

@josemorgado

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40-time ATP Masters 1000 champion Novak Djokovic becomes the 4th oldest to make the last 16 in one of these events after beating (a very good) Yannick Hanfmann 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in Shanghai R3. 2h42, fabulous match! Improves to 33-10 in 2025 and will face Munar on Tuesday.

1:22 PM · Oct 5, 2025

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