Novak Djokovic throws up on court at Shanghai Masters and slams 'brutal' weather

Novak Djokovic threw up multiple times on the court during his latest match at the Shanghai Masters. Footage has emerged showing the Serbian doing so on at least two separate occasions midway through the second set during changes of ends.

Djokovic, 38, beat qualifier Yannick Hanfmann in the third round but had to work for that win after dropping the first set. The 24-time Grand Slam winner ultimately prevailed 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in two hours and 42 minutes.

The commentator Nick Lester said during the broadcast of their match, after cameras panned away from the court: "Djokovic, we've just been told, was throwing up at the change of ends." Robbie Koenig later repeated: "If you weren't with us, just a moment ago, he (Djokovic) was throwing up at the change of ends. These lengthy rallies will play right into Hanfmann's hands."

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Djokovic had to battle not only his German opponent but also the conditions. It is stiflingly hot in Shanghai, with temperatures reaching around 34°C during the day.

Djokovic said afterwards: "It's the same for every player out on the court, but it's brutal. It's brutal when you have over 80 per cent of humidity day after day, particularly for the guys when they're playing during the day with heat, with sun, it's even more brutal.

"For me, biologically, it's a bit more challenging to deal with it. But I had to really weather the storm today; Yannick played an incredible match from the beginning."

He also later said on social media: "Shanghai nights hit different. Your energy and support carried me through."

Holger Rune was one of those unfortunate enough to be playing during the daytime and asked, "Why doesn't the ATP have a heat rule?" The Dane had his blood pressure taken and requested ice to cool his body temperature during a medical timeout in his match.

Jannick Sinner also cramped up to the extent that he needed assistance from a physio to leave the court after retiring midway through his match. His opponent, Tallon Griekspoor, shared a similar sentiment to Djokovic afterwards.

"Brutal conditions here in Shanghai all week already. I felt we were still a little bit lucky to play in the evening without the sun.

"But two hours 36 (minutes) on the clock, (in the) middle of the third set. Sorry for him (Sinner); I wish him a speedy recovery. Definitely not the way you want to win."

Sinner acknowledged before his tournament began that conditions contrast with those at the China Open in Beijing.

"Here, it's different," Sinner said during a press conference. "It's more humid, it's hotter. I don't know how it's going to feel on court."