The Managing Director of the Isokinetic Clinic in Turin explained the factors that led to the recent injuries at the Shanghai Masters 1000
During the 2025 Shanghai Masters 1000, many players suffered from serious physical problems mainly caused by the heat and humidity, leading to withdrawals, cramps, and compromised performances. The weather conditions were extreme, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C and humidity levels reaching — or even surpassing — 80%.
Dr. Fabrizio Tencone, Director of Isokinetic Turin, was a guest on Sky Sport 24 to examine the causes and contributing factors behind these injuries.
Three serious incidents that knocked the athletes out
During the tournament, the most dramatic aspect was the combined effect of extreme heat and humidity, which caused emergency situations for some players.
Jannik Sinner withdraws due to cramps
In the third round against Tallon Griekspoor, Sinner suffered painful thigh cramps that left him unable to walk. Midway through the deciding set, he was forced to retire, unable to continue the match.
It is one of the most significant incidents, as it involves a top player forced to withdraw due to a muscle problem caused by the environmental conditions.
Djokovic: exhaustion and leg injury
Novak Djokovic faced a tough match against Jaume Munar, showing signs of heat exhaustion and requiring a medical timeout.
During the tournament, he also vomited on court (in another match against Yannick Hanfmann), a symptom of the intense physical strain he was under.
Finally, a muscle issue in his left leg / gluteal area also flared up, further compromising his performance.
Holger Rune’s outburst and the perceived risk
During a medical timeout, Holger Rune openly expressed his concern about the weather conditions, asking almost rhetorically: “Do you want a player to die on court?”
This episode is significant not so much because of a specific injury (although Rune did experience cramps), but for the collective awareness it triggered: it shed light on how players feel pushed to the very edge of what is physically tolerable.
