What did Djokovic say after escaping defeat at the Shanghai Masters 2025?

Novak Djokovic acknowledged he was close to defeat against Yannick Hanfmann, yet through his composure and persistence, the 38-year-old managed to turn the match around and advance to the fourth round of the Shanghai Masters.

Djokovic will appear in the fourth round of the Shanghai Masters for the 11th time in his career – every time he has played in this favorite tournament, he has reached this stage. At 38, Djokovic overcame two formidable opponents to earn his place among the last 16 players.

After defeating Marin Cilic in the second round, the four-time champion then faced Yannick Hanfmann and won 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 after 2 hours and 42 minutes of play under tough conditions.

Against an opponent who played aggressively and controlled the pace for most of the first two sets, Djokovic was sometimes forced into a defensive stance but never faltered.

Hanfmann started confidently, taking the ball early and continuously applying pressure, forcing the Serbian legend to retreat into defense. However, Djokovic elevated his game at crucial moments, relying on patience, agile movement, and precise defense before the German began to tire on his service games.

This victory was a blend of endurance and skill. At 38, Djokovic endured the sweltering heat and played nearly three hours before a crowd in Shanghai that constantly chanted his name, providing immense motivation.

Despite losing the first set, Djokovic’s familiar grit and toughness helped him reverse the situation, securing his place in the last 16 amid enthusiastic applause from Shanghai fans.

It was the crowd’s passion that fueled the veteran player to deliver yet another memorable performance.

“Yannick played an outstanding match right from the start. Despite the tough conditions, I couldn’t ask for more than competing for nearly three hours in front of a crowd chanting my name at 38, in the third round of a Masters 1000 event.

This feels like a dream to me. It was a tense match, and Yannick almost defeated me. He dominated me through the first one and a half sets. I just had to hang on and find a way to turn the match around to keep my hopes alive.

He took the ball early, played very fast, and kept applying pressure. I’m proud to have overcome this challenge,” Djokovic shared.