Battling through injury for 161 minutes to reach the quarterfinals, a role model for young adults; Djokovic’s narrow win ends Federer’s record.

Despite vomiting, injury, and scorching conditions, the Serbian king displayed outstanding tenacity to secure a win, deepening admiration for this veteran father figure.

With Sinner’s injury withdrawal and Zverev’s unexpected early exit, it seemed certain Djokovic would claim his fifth Shanghai Masters crown. Consequently, many anticipated a smooth passage against Munar.

However, after a grueling 2-hour and 41-minute match, Djokovic did advance, but the journey was far from easy and filled with dramatic moments.

In the first set, Djokovic took an early lead at 3-1, and fans watching live began celebrating, but soon after, the first worrying moment involving the Serbian star appeared.

Suddenly, Djokovic grimaced in pain, holding his knee and signaling a medical timeout due to a problem with his left foot. This unexpected incident caused serious concern about whether the Serbian star might withdraw. Some said that coming to Shanghai with all the favorable conditions for a title, quitting now would be more than just a disappointment—it would be a cruel fate for the 38-year-old legend.

It’s often said that top players don’t quit easily even when injured, not wanting to let fans down; Djokovic once again proved this to be true.

Returning to the court, the Serbian star didn’t disappoint his supporters, overcoming discomfort to take the first set 6-3.

Just when it seemed the tense moments of the first set had passed, the intense Shanghai heat took its toll, and after only five games in the second set, another incident occurred.

Before the changeover, Djokovic had several episodes of dry heaving, suggesting heatstroke. When he turned his back to the crowd and vomited into a towel, concern for the veteran father grew once again.

Already battling injury and now struggling with the weather, Djokovic faced a double challenge, giving Munar an opening. After losing the second set 5-7 and being pegged back, before the deciding set began, everyone’s focus shifted from whether Djokovic would win to hoping he could simply finish the match without retiring, which would be a relief for all.

Just as prayers were said, Djokovic’s second medical timeout before the final set heightened tension again. This time, it wasn’t his left ankle but a suspected leg strain, sparking fresh debate among fans about whether the veteran would withdraw.

After treatment, Djokovic returned, easing some worries, but speculation about a possible quick loss in the decider persisted.

However, some pointed out that Djokovic had won the Australian Open despite a severe abdominal strain, believing that after taking painkillers, he could still create a miracle in Shanghai at age 38.

When Djokovic sealed the final set at 6-2, the entire crowd rose to give him a standing ovation, and the live broadcast erupted in cheers.

Having repeatedly suffered physical setbacks during the match but still emerging victorious, some praised Djokovic while expressing sympathy for Munar, saying that despite multiple chances given by fate, he failed to seize them and should reflect deeply upon returning home.

As Djokovic clenched his fist and looked toward the stands, tears glimmered in his eyes. Many declared that the legend once again set an example for younger players, embodying the spirit of competitive sports and serving as a benchmark and role model—this is why he remains unmatched.

With this three-set victory over Munar, Djokovic maintained a perfect record of reaching the quarterfinals in Shanghai. It also marked his 11th time reaching the last eight at the Shanghai Masters and the 91st quarterfinal appearance in Masters tournaments throughout his career.

Moreover, this hard-fought win earned Djokovic, at 38 years and 133 days old, the distinction of being the oldest player to reach a Masters quarterfinal, surpassing Federer’s previous record of 38 years and 60 days.

After enduring a match full of unexpected challenges, Djokovic was visibly exhausted and declined interviews, simply saying “thank you” in Chinese before leaving. Yet, no one minded; overcoming injury to deliver such a thrilling match exceeded fans’ expectations. Djokovic’s priority now should be rest and recovery to prepare for upcoming matches.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Moon River’s Starry Sky)