Djokovic digs deep to survive Hanfmann scare
Novak Djokovic weathered illness and a qualifier’s bold assault in Shanghai, clawing back from a set down to preserve his Masters campaign amid mounting physical toll.
Under the humid lights of the Rolex Shanghai Masters, Novak Djokovic endured a grueling third-round test against qualifier Yannick Hanfmann. The 38-year-old Serbian, seeking a fifth title in a demanding 2025 season, dropped the opener before rallying for a 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 victory that lasted two hours and 45 minutes—his second-longest best-of-three match of the year. This hard-fought advance sets up a fourth-round clash with Jaume Munar, where every point carries the weight of legacy and endurance.
Hanfmann’s variety disrupts Djokovic’s flow
Hanfmann, ranked No. 150 in the PIF ATP Rankings, entered with upset on his mind, aiming to become the lowest-ranked player to defeat Djokovic at an ATP Masters 1000 event. His booming serve dominated the first set, firing four consecutive aces to force uncomfortable crosscourt returns from the top seed, while clever volleys and underspin slices kept points short and the Serb on the back foot. Djokovic’s inside-out forehands found the lines but lacked penetration against the German’s aggressive net rushes, turning the humid hardcourts into a battle of quick transitions and raw power.
The qualifier’s one–two combinations—serve followed by a sharp down-the-line pass—exposed early lapses, as the crowd sensed vulnerability in a player navigating a season of high stakes. Yet Djokovic absorbed the pressure, his baseline defense holding firm enough to limit unforced errors, even as Hanfmann’s shotmaking pushed the set to a swift 43 minutes.
What’s that sound? Oh just Novak with yet another win
He defeats Hanfmann 4-6 7-5 6-3@SH_Masters | #ShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/ZeRYkcQh1i— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 5, 2025
Illness prompts shorter rallies and resolve
Physical discomfort surfaced in the second set, with Djokovic pausing during a changeover after appearing to vomit, a visible sign of the toll from his packed schedule. He adapted by shortening points, leaning on his serve to set up inside-in backhands and probing slices that drew errors from Hanfmann’s backhand under the stadium’s glare. This tactical shift neutralized the German’s serve-volley forays, as the Serb targeted the body with deep returns to disrupt rhythm and force mid-court mishits.
As the set reached 5-all, the psychological tension peaked; Hanfmann’s aggressive patterns faltered with mounting unforced errors, while Djokovic saved break points with aces that silenced doubts. His set-point clincher—a blistering crosscourt forehand—ignited the Shanghai crowd, leveling the match and marking a pivot from strain to resurgence, drawing energy from the roars that echoed through the arena.
Crowd surge drives third-set dominance
Buoyed by the faithful, Djokovic broke early in the decider, using improved serving with slice to the wide corner and kick serves to reclaim control on the fast hardcourts. Hanfmann fought back with occasional aces, but his variety waned against relentless crosscourt pressure, allowing the veteran to consolidate with precise inside-out returns and sharpen his movement as adrenaline overrode nausea. Improving to 2-0 in their ATP Head2Head, he powered through to victory, the evening’s humidity testing both but amplifying the Serb’s mental fortitude.
This survival, shared via ATP Tour (@atptour) October 5, 2025 with a nod to @SH_Masters and #ShanghaiMasters alongside pic.twitter.com/ZeRYkcQh1i, positions Djokovic to face Munar with renewed focus. On these slick surfaces, where endurance meets precision, his ability to channel crowd energy into tactical edge keeps the title chase alive, hinting at the unyielding drive that defines his pursuit.
