Novak Djokovic’s ‘Brutal’ Self-Assessment After Vomiting Scare at Shanghai Masters
Novak Djokovic, the 38-year-old tennis legend, made a brutally honest comment about his age and physical decline after battling through illness during his second-round match at the 2025 Shanghai Masters on October 3. Facing fellow veteran Marin Cilic in a hard-fought 7-6(7/2), 6-4 victory—the oldest ATP Masters 1000 matchup since 1990 with a combined age of 75 years and 139 days—Djokovic admitted he “suffered a lot” on court and had to “fire up all engines” to overcome a sluggish start. Reports and fan accounts highlighted a moment where Djokovic appeared to vomit or retch during the match, amid the humid Shanghai conditions, but he pushed through without medical timeout, showcasing his resilience.
The Match and Illness Moment
Djokovic, returning to Shanghai for his 11th appearance (four-time champion), struggled in the first set against Cilic, who is ranked No. 94 and hadn’t won an ATP main-draw match since January. Cilic pushed to a tiebreak, where Djokovic steamed ahead 7-2, before breaking in the second set for the win. The “throwing up” incident occurred amid the grueling heat and humidity, with Djokovic later revealing the brutal toll: “I did enjoy it, but I also suffered a lot on the court. It was a very close match. He was probably the better player for the first set.” He credited “firing up all engines” for the turnaround, a nod to his veteran savvy.
The self-deprecating “brutal” edge came in post-match reflections on his form: “I struggled to find my rhythm from the baseline,” admitting Cilic’s edge early on. Djokovic, who has battled physical issues throughout 2025 (e.g., early US Open exit), also touched on broader challenges: “I know it’s difficult to beat them [Alcaraz and Sinner] in best-of-five sets because I’m not as fresh as they are… It’s a reality I have to accept.” This honesty underscores his vulnerability at 38, contrasting his 40 wins in Shanghai (most at any Masters 1000).
Djokovic’s Shanghai Legacy and Next Steps
Djokovic, seeking a record fifth Shanghai title, advances to face German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann in the third round. His 40-6 record at the event cements his status as the “master” here, but the illness adds to a season of “suffering” (his words), including semifinal losses to Alcaraz at the US Open and ongoing schedule critiques.
Fans praised his grit on social media: “Djoker suffering but still winning—legendary” (trending #DjokovicShanghai). At 38, Djokovic’s brutal realism signals a pragmatic approach to his twilight years, focusing on Masters 1000s where he fancies his chances against the young guns.
