Djokovic: ‘Challenging Day at Work’
Serbian expresses gratitude for the ‘best support in the world’ via social media
October 07, 2025
Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic receives medical assistance on Tuesday in Shanghai, overcoming obstacles to secure a hard-earned three-set triumph.
By ATP Staff
Faced with intense heat, a leg injury, and tremendous fatigue, Novak Djokovic labeled his fourth-round contest against Jaume Munar as a “challenging day at work” during the Rolex Shanghai Masters, where he tapped into his deepest reserves to progress.
Struggling with soaring humidity, the Serbian athlete was visibly affected, even becoming ill on the court at times and collapsing after losing the second set, requiring medical attention. Throughout the two-hour and 41-minute duel, he frequently sought relief with ice towels and called for multiple medical timeouts for a leg issue, showcasing his legendary tenacity.
After his gritty 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 win against Spanish opponent Jaume Munar, Djokovic took to social media to share insights about the taxing match.
“Challenging day at work. Physically demanding,” Djokovic wrote. “Thankfully, I have the best support in the world. 🫶🏼. 我爱上海”
With this victory, Djokovic sets a new milestone. At 38 years and four months, he becomes the oldest ATP Masters 1000 quarter-finalist ever, surpassing Roger Federer’s previous record from 2019 (38 years, two months) also in Shanghai. Should he secure a record-extending fifth title here, he will take the lead over Federer for the most hard-court tour-level titles in the Open Era (71).
Advancing to the Shanghai quarter-finals for the 11th consecutive time, Djokovic’s next challenge is against Belgian Zizou Bergs in their first Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting. As the fourth-seeded player, he stands as the highest-ranked competitor remaining in the draw.
With eyes on his 41st ATP Masters 1000 crown and his first since triumphing in Paris in 2023, Djokovic currently sits third in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, boasting a season record of 34-10, per the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.
Catch Highlights from Djokovic’s Courageous Shanghai Victory vs. Munar
