In a shocking display of athletic endurance pushed to its absolute limit, Novak Djokovic suffered a dramatic physical collapse during his Shanghai Masters match against Grigor Dimitrov, vomiting repeatedly on court amid brutal 30-degree heat.
Scenes of Distress as Champion Struggles
The world number one was visibly distressed throughout the match, with television cameras capturing the moment the Serbian star lost his fight against the extreme conditions. Djokovic could be seen vomiting into a courtside bin during a changeover, his body succumbing to the oppressive humidity and soaring temperatures.
'Magic Potion' Fails to Save Djokovic
Despite his famous dedication to physical preparation and what he previously described as his 'magic potion' of supplements and recovery techniques, even Djokovic's legendary fitness couldn't withstand the punishing environment. The 24-time Grand Slam champion appeared pale and struggled to maintain his usual intensity against his Bulgarian opponent.
Medical Team on High Alert
Tournament medical staff monitored the situation closely as Djokovic's condition deteriorated. The incident raises serious questions about player safety in extreme weather conditions, particularly in tournaments where heat rules may not be adequately enforced.
Dimitrov Advances as Djokovic Recovers
Despite the physical distress, Djokovic showed incredible professionalism by completing the match, though he ultimately fell to Dimitrov 6-4, 1-6, 6-2. The victory marks a significant achievement for Dimitrov, who capitalised on his opponent's physical struggles to secure a place in the next round.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the physical demands placed on professional athletes and the fine line between peak performance and physical collapse, even for the sport's most dominant players.
