Yannick Hanfmann surprised Novak Djokovic by winning the first set 6-4 in the third round of the ATP Shanghai Masters, held at Stadium Court in Shanghai, China, on Sunday, October 5, 2025. The German, a qualifier, broke the Serbian’s serve at a crucial moment and now leads the third set 1-2 in games at 9:57 AM. Djokovic, ranked world number 5, aims for his fifth title in the tournament after a bye in the first round and a win over Marin Cilic.
The match is played under 29-degree weather, with Hanfmann capitalizing on his strong Asian swing to challenge the 38-year-old veteran.
Djokovic secured his 40th Shanghai win in the previous round but showed rust after a break since the US Open.
Hanfmann’s early performance
Hanfmann served efficiently in the first set. The German hit 8 aces and 17 winners, with only 9 unforced errors.
He broke Djokovic’s serve at 5-4, forcing errors at the baseline.
His run included four consecutive aces to hold serve at 5-3.
Second set tie
Djokovic fought back in the second set, breaking Hanfmann at 5-5.
The Serbian avoided a tiebreak, winning 7-5 with strong serving.
The break came after a long rally, where Hanfmann erred on the return.
Djokovic earned service points to level the sets at 1-1.
Third set start
In the third set, Hanfmann won the first game.
Djokovic responded with a hold, tying at 1-1.
The German broke again for 1-2, with a point at 15-0 in the current game.
- Hanfmann: 12 total aces so far;
- Djokovic: 7 aces;
- Service points won: Hanfmann 69, Djokovic 76.
Partial match statistics
Hanfmann converted 1 of 3 breakpoints.
Djokovic has a 49% first serve rate, winning 41 points on it.
The German won 12 total games, against Djokovic’s 13.
Both have 1 double fault.
Hanfmann keeps pressure with precise winners.
Recent player history
Hanfmann advanced with wins over Mochizuki, Kubler, Sonego, and Tiafoe.
He rallied against Tiafoe for a 6-7(9), 6-2, 6-1 win in the second round.
Djokovic defeated Cilic 7-6(2), 6-4, marking his 40th local win.
The Serbian is 32-10 this season, 18-6 on hard courts.
- Head-to-head: Djokovic leads 1-0, from Geneva 2024;
- Hanfmann: 36-23 in 2025;
- Prize money: $8.8 million in the tournament.
