Novak Djokovic sends message to Yannick Hanfmann on social media after close match in Shanghai

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Novak Djokovic was given an almighty scare by German player Yannick Hanfmann before progressing to the last 16 of the Shanghai Masters.

Djokovic had already beaten Marin Cilic in the last 64 but was given a much sterner test by Hanfmann, who currently sits at number 150 in the ATP world rankings.

After coming through in straight sets, Djokovic was hailed by pundits, and he will now face Spanish player Jaume Munar for a place in another quarterfinal.

Djokovic shared what he needed to do to beat Hanfmann after the match and he was in no doubt that he was given a very stern test at an early stage of the tournament.

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Novak Djokovic sends a message to Yannick Hanfmann

Djokovic might have prevailed but there was clearly a lot of mutual respect following this match and the Serbian knew he was in a match.

Hanfmann posted first on Instagram, saying: “The battle with the legend didn’t go my way.”

Djokovic was keen to respond with a message for Hanfmann and posted a very classy response, which should give the German some confidence going forward.

He said: “Great fight, Yannick. Keep it going, you are posting great.”

Hanfmann had to win two qualifiers to come through to the main draw at the Shanghai Masters and after beating Lorenzo Sonego and Frances Tiafoe, there is a lot for him to take from the tournament.

Djokovic now has golden chance to win Shanghai Masters

The top players are dropping out on a daily basis at the Shanghai Masters, and as a result, Djokovic must now sense a really big opportunity.

Jannik Sinner retired from his match with Tallon Griekspoor with heat exhaustion, Carlos Alcaraz chose not to play after hurting his foot in Japan, whilst Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz are also out.

As a result, Djokovic could now be in business when it comes to winning his first ATP 1000 title since 2023, and he might never get a better chance to do so.

Despite his constant brilliance, Djokovic remains as classy as ever and if he wins the Shanghai Masters in 2025 for a fifth time in his career, it would likely be a popular victory with the Chinese supporters.