Novak Djokovic battles 'brutal' Shanghai heat, vomiting and collapsing during ATP Masters match.

Shanghai, China – Novak Djokovic, the world-renowned tennis star, faced a severe physical challenge at the ATP Shanghai Masters, raising concerns about player welfare in the face of extreme environmental conditions. During his round of 16 match against Jaume Munar, the 38-year-old Serbian was seen vomiting and eventually collapsed on the court, prompting immediate medical attention.

Djokovic's struggles began earlier in the tournament. In his third-round match against Yannick Hanfmann, he vomited on the court amidst sweltering heat and humidity. Despite the illness, he managed to rally and secure a victory. However, the cumulative effect of the demanding conditions appeared to take a greater toll as he progressed further.

The humidity in Shanghai has been exceptionally high, reaching levels close to 80 percent, which Djokovic described as "brutal". He noted that such conditions are particularly challenging for him biologically. Other players have echoed these sentiments, with Holger Rune questioning why the ATP doesn't implement a heat rule similar to those used in Grand Slam tournaments. Rune himself required medical attention during his match, highlighting the widespread impact of the heat.

Against Munar, Djokovic received multiple medical timeouts, including treatment for a left ankle issue. After losing the second set, he collapsed behind the baseline, visibly exhausted. Medical personnel rushed to his aid, checking his vitals before helping him back to his chair. Despite these alarming episodes, Djokovic displayed remarkable resilience. He returned to the court and ultimately defeated Munar in three sets, securing his place in the quarter-finals for the 11th time in as many appearances at the Shanghai Masters. He will face Zizou Bergs for a spot in the semi-final.

Djokovic's ability to overcome such physical distress has drawn both admiration and concern. Known for his exceptional fitness, the incident has sparked debate about the limits of the human body and the responsibility of tournament organizers to protect athletes. Some observers have noted that the Shanghai Masters has become a "survival contest" due to the punishing combination of heat and humidity.

Despite the challenges, Djokovic remains in contention for a record-extending 41st ATP Masters 1000 title. However, his health and well-being will undoubtedly be a key focus as he continues in the tournament. His next match against Bergs will be a test of not only his tennis skills but also his physical endurance and recovery.


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Driven by curiosity, a desire for truth, and a passion for sports, Arjun is a determined journalist focused on local governance and civic affairs. He's diligently researching public records and attending council meetings to understand grassroots policymaking. Arjun, also an avid sports enthusiast, aims to make local government more transparent and accessible through his clear, concise reporting.
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