Djokovic Struggling in Shanghai: "The Laundry Bills Will Be Quite High This Week"

Novak Djokovic can't believe it. In the middle of the Asian tour, the former world No. 1 opened up about the extreme playing conditions at the Shanghai Masters 1000: over 30°C and 85% humidity that make every rally exhausting.

Shanghai, or the unexpected furnace. Novak Djokovic, recent winner of his first-round match against Cilic (7-6, 6-4), made a statement about the stifling weather conditions hitting the tournament this year.

"Crazy humidity. I don't remember feeling such humid weather in China. I don't recall the last time I played with such humidity. But it's the same for everyone: it applies to me, just like all the other players. You have to accept it," he insisted.

Nevertheless, the omnipresent humidity is turning matches into real physical ordeals, and Djokovic half-jokingly remarked: "The laundry bills will be quite high this week," he said with a laugh.

Next, the Serbian will face Yannick Hanfmann for a spot in the round of 16. A player he has faced only once in his career: in the second round of Geneva in 2024 (Djokovic victory, 6-3, 6-3).