Shanghai
Djokovic: ‘Tough day at the office’
Serbian takes to social media to thank ‘biggest support in the world’
October 7, 2025
Zhang Lintao/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic took a medical timeout to win in a tough three sets in Shanghai on Tuesday.
Written by ATP Staff
Novak Djokovic battled through the heat, leg problems and sheer exhaustion to describe his fourth-round match against Munar at the Rolex Shanghai Masters as a “tough day at the office” in which the Serbian tapped into his deepest reserves to advance.
The Serbian’s body was stretched to its limits in the humid conditions and he vomited multiple times on the sidelines and fell to the ground after losing the second set, requiring medical assistance. During the two-hour and 41-minute conflict, he often sought relief with an ice towel. Djokovic also took multiple medical timeouts due to leg problems, but once again regained his trademark resilience.
After defeating Spain’s Munar 6-3, 5-7, 6-2, Djokovic took to social media to reflect on the toll the match took on his body.
“Had a tough day at the office. Very challenging physically,” Djokovic wrote. “Luckily, I have the greatest support in the world.🫶🏼. I love Shanghai”
With this victory, Djokovic set a new record. At 38 years and four months, the Serbian became the oldest ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinalist in history, surpassing Roger Federer’s previous record (38 years and two months) set by the Swiss in Shanghai in 2019. If Djokovic wins a record-breaking fifth Shanghai title, he will tie Federer for the record for most hard-court tour-level titles in the Open era (71).
This is Djokovic’s 11th appearance in the Shanghai quarter-finals. He will next face Belgian player Zizou Berges in their first Lexus ATP matchup. The Belgrade native is seeded fourth and is the highest-ranked player remaining in the draw.
Djokovic is chasing his 41st ATP Masters 1000 title, his first since winning in Paris in 2023. Djokovic is currently ranked third at PIF ATP Turin Live, holding a season record of 34 wins and 10 losses, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.
Watch highlights from Djokovic’s hard-fought victory over Munar in Shanghai
