Even superheroes have their kryptonite. For Novak Djokovic in Shanghai, it was a brutal combination of a stomach bug, stifling humidity, and a German qualifier named Yannick Hanfmann who came out swinging like he had nothing to lose. For a while there, it looked like the upset of the year was brewing.

Djokovic Dodges a Bullet

Let’s be real, for the better part of two sets, Djokovic was getting thoroughly outplayed. This wasn’t the surgical, untouchable legend we’re used to seeing. This was a guy just trying to survive. Hanfmann , playing with house money, was cracking serves and dictating play, taking the first set 6-4. You could almost feel the collective gasp from the crowd and tennis fans worldwide. Was this really happening?

The turning point wasn’t some magical flip of a switch.

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