Like previous matches, the former world number one had difficulty handling the heat and humidity in the Chinese city. Djokovic vomited several times and had to dig deep for strength.
After losing a long ball and thus also the second set, Djokovic lay down on the court, noticeably taken and with pain in one leg. The 38-year-old was helped to get up and medical personnel were called in.
After a brief interruption, the match continued, which Djokovic eventually won with 6–3, 5–7, 6–2. He declined the usual victory interview on the court but took to X to thank his fans for their support:
"Tough day at work. Very physically challenging", he wrote, among other things.
Also in the previous match, Djokovic vomited due to the effort of playing in the hot and humid air. He is not alone.
Defending champion Jannik Sinner interrupted his match in the third round on Sunday. The Italian was affected by cramps.
Six more players have interrupted their matches due to illness or injury.
In Grand Slam tournaments and the women's tour WTA, there is a heat rule, which, among other things, means that matches must be played under a fully or partially closed roof on the arena.
Danish Holger Rune was clear that he thinks that rule should also apply to ATP tournaments.
Do you want a player to die on the court? he asked during a press conference over the weekend.
