Novak Djokovic’s First-Round US Open Exit Marked by Illness and Injury

Novak Djokovic, the 25-time major champion, was defeated 7-6, 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 by Argentine qualifier Mariano Navone in a match that lasted close to five hours. Throughout the contest Djokovic repeatedly vomited and appeared visibly ill, eventually leaving the court at almost midnight. The Serbian also struggled with a persistent shoulder injury and a back that “seized up,” which he said contributed to his inability to close out the match after taking a two-sets-to-one lead.

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In addition to the acute vomiting, Djokovic reported that his back gave out and his shoulder pain intensified in the later stages. The physical distress forced him to consider quitting mid-match, but he continued until the fourth set, ultimately managing only one more game before Navone secured the win.

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Djokovic expressed gratitude to the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, saying the love and appreciation they showed “really touched my heart.”

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• “It was an awful feeling on the court for me,” — Novak Djokovic

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The loss marked Djokovic’s first opening-round defeat at the US Open and sparked an emotional farewell from the audience, who gave him a standing ovation as he exited. His wife Jelena was observed in tears, underscoring the personal impact of the defeat. The match also coincided with Roger Federer’s induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, highlighting a symbolic transition in men’s tennis as one of its most dominant figures appears to confront the limits of his physical endurance.

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