Novak Djokovic Shocks World with Record-Breaking Comeback—Tennis Legend Makes History Again

Novak Djokovic’s late-season charge shows no sign of slowing, as the 38-year-old booked his place in the Shanghai Masters fourth round with a composed 6-4, 6-3 victory over Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann, surviving sweltering humidity and a 10-minute medical timeout for his opponent. The win moves the world No. 2 one step closer to career title No. 101 and, tantalisingly, within touching distance of Roger Federer’s all-time mark of 103 singles trophies—a record Djokovic could equal or surpass before the season concludes at the ATP Finals or the inaugural Athens 250 later this month. Victory in Shanghai also delivered another milestone: Djokovic has now contested 89 Masters 1000 fourth rounds, tying Rafael Nadal for the most in history and underscoring his decade-and-a-half dominance at the sport’s top tier just below the Slams. Beyond the numbers, the Serb’s form is sharpening at exactly the right time. His trademark elastic defence forced Hanfmann into 27 unforced errors, while a first-serve percentage north of 70 % helped Djokovic erase all three break points faced. “The conditions were brutal,” he told on-court interviewer Fabrice Santoro. “But these are the matches that build confidence heading into the business end of the season.” That business end now includes a short detour to Greece: tournament organisers confirmed Djokovic will headline the debut ATP 250 event in Athens from 20-26 October, an appearance that could gift him an extra shot at the Federer record and valuable match play before Turin. Off-court, speculation around retirement refuses to fade after Australian Open chief Craig Tiley said “there’s no indication Novak plans to stop before 2026,” hinting at a possible farewell tour down under. Djokovic laughed off the chatter in Shanghai, noting that his meticulous recovery routine—including eight-plus hours of sleep and a plant-based diet—keeps him “feeling 28, not 38.” For now, the focus remains squarely on silverware. Up next is Spaniard Jaume Munar, a clay-court specialist who upset Stefanos Tsitsipas earlier in the week. Djokovic owns a 3-0 head-to-head edge and has yet to drop a set against the Mallorcan, but warned, “Every match from here is a final.” With ranking points, records and legacy all in play, Djokovic’s 2025 script is far from written. Should he hoist the Shanghai trophy on Sunday, he will head to Athens with 101 titles—breathing down Federer’s neck and adding another dramatic chapter to an already legendary career.