Novak Djokovic’s latest Grand Slam campaign ended with a stunning first-round defeat Sunday, but the 39-year-old Serbian made clear afterward that his biggest battle was with his own body. Djokovic lost to Argentina’s Mariano Navone 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a four-hour, 36-minute marathon, marking his earliest Grand Slam exit since the 2006 Australian Open and his first opening-round loss at the U.S. Open. Navone, ranked No. 49, advanced after earning the biggest victory of his career.
Djokovic visibly struggled throughout the match, vomiting on court and dealing with cramping, back pain and a shoulder problem. He received treatment during a medical timeout and appeared increasingly fatigued as the match progressed. Despite taking a two-sets-to-one lead and holding a break advantage in the fourth set, Djokovic could not maintain his level and finished with 70 unforced errors.
Afterward, Djokovic said the problems were part of a health issue that has affected him repeatedly this season. “It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year: vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there,” Djokovic said. “Then my whole body starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain.” He added that his back and shoulder eventually failed him and that he had struggled physically from early in the match.
Djokovic first disclosed the longer-term problem earlier this month after losing to Thiago Agustin Tirante at the Cincinnati Open. He said the condition had bothered him for years and becomes particularly difficult in hot and humid conditions. Similar symptoms surfaced during that match, when he required medical attention after visibly struggling on court. Djokovic has not publicly identified a specific diagnosis.
The defeat also raised fresh questions about how much longer Djokovic can continue competing at the highest level. The 24-time major champion acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but said he is still trying to find answers. “I don’t know. I’m trying, man. I’m trying,” Djokovic said. “I’m just trying to address really what’s going on and how far I can go this way.”
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