Novak Djokovic vomits at Shanghai Masters and slams ‘brutal’ conditions on court

Novak Djokovic was seen throwing up on court during his Shanghai Masters win over Yannick Hanfmann

Novak Djokovic was caught on camera being sick several times during his gruelling Shanghai Masters clash.

The Serbian tennis ace was spotted vomiting on court on at least two occasions during changeovers in the second set of his third-round encounter.

Despite the stomach troubles, 37-year-old Djokovic managed to battle past qualifier Yannick Hanfmann, though he had to dig deep after losing the opening set. The 24-time Grand Slam champion eventually triumphed 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in a marathon two hours and 42 minutes.

Commentator Nick Lester told viewers during the broadcast: “Djokovic, we’ve just been told, was throwing up at the change of ends.”

His colleague Robbie Koenig added: “If you weren’t with us, just a moment ago, he (Djokovic) was throwing up at the change of ends. These lengthy rallies will play right into Hanfmann’s hands.”

The world number one wasn’t just battling his German rival but also the sweltering Shanghai conditions, with temperatures soaring to around 34°C.

Speaking after his victory, Djokovic said: “It’s the same for every player out on the court, but it’s brutal. 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.”

He later took to social media, stating: “Shanghai nights hit different. Your energy and support carried me through.”

Holger Rune, who unfortunately had to play during the day, questioned: “Why doesn’t the ATP have a heat rule?” The Danish player had his blood pressure checked and asked for ice to lower his body temperature during a medical timeout in his match.

Jannick Sinner also suffered from severe cramps, requiring help from a physiotherapist to exit the court after retiring halfway through his match. His opponent, Tallon Griekspoor, echoed Djokovic’s sentiments post-match.

“Brutal conditions here in Shanghai all week already. I felt we were still a little bit lucky to play in the evening without the sun.

“But two hours 36 (minutes) on the clock, (in the) middle of the third set. Sorry for him (Sinner); I wish him a speedy recovery. Definitely not the way you want to win.”

Before the tournament began, Sinner acknowledged that the conditions in Shanghai were quite different from those at the China Open in Beijing.

“Here, it’s different,” Sinner said during a press conference. “It’s more humid, it’s hotter. I don’t know how it’s going to feel on court.”