38-year-old Novak Djokovic continues to defy Father Time at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. He is the highest seeded player left in the draw in a brutal tournament that has caused top players to battle against extreme heat.
Djokovic did his Superman routine again on Tuesday against Jaume Munar. He called the trainer after an apparent left ankle/calf issue and somehow managed to continue play after also enduring cramps through a long three set match.
Tough day at the office. Very challenging physically. Luckily, I have the greatest support in the world 🫶🏼. 我爱上海 pic.twitter.com/PgGHHA0Zqm
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) October 7, 2025
He also vomited on the court for the second time in the tournament.
Regardless of whether you are a Djokovic fan or not, you have to recognize that he is able to summon his body to do great things when he is feeling well below 100%.
He did not do a post-match press conference because of not feeling well. It is reasonable to assume he is his own biggest opponent in a tournament that has already lost players a decade younger than him with cramps and other heat-related issues.
What’s At Stake For Novak Djokovic In Shanghai
He has broken every record outside of the Grand Slam realm and now becomes the oldest player to advance to a Masters 1000 quarterfinal.
WARRIOR STRENGTH ❤️🔥
Djokovic overcomes a BRUTAL battle against Munar!@DjokerNole #RolexShanghaiMasters pic.twitter.com/8mq91dtGYn
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 7, 2025
Novak Djokovic is OLDEST EVER player to reach a Masters 1000 QFs, ‘beating’ Federer’s record.
Djokovic – 38 years, 4 months (Shanghai 2025)
Federer – 38 years, 2 months (Shanghai 2019) pic.twitter.com/3T1dJNmodA— José Morgado (@josemorgado) October 7, 2025
Even though the draw lacks Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Taylor Fritz, there are some formidable opponents who could seize the moment. They include American Learner Tien, Holger Rune, Alex de Minaur, Lorenzo Musetti, Jiri Lehecka, and Daniil Medvedev.
What a warrior!🤩
I have never seen anyone fight like Novak Djokovic.
Injured, vomiting repeatedly and heat exhausted…but REFUSING to lose.
I am in awe.😍 pic.twitter.com/GEGOKK2feF
— Essex Girl (@rhondaessexgirl) October 7, 2025
Djokovic’s quarterfinal match is scheduled for Thursday against World No. 44 Zizou Bergs of Belgium. He has never played Bergs before. Bergs is also coming off an impressive three set win over the 31st seed Canadian Gabriel Diallo. He came from behind to win 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (10-8) in a match where 201 points were played, and Bers won 101 and Diallo 100.
Watch the Rolex Shanghai Masters through October 12 on the Tennis Channel and the Tennis Channel app.
