Djokovic after first-round exit at US Open: “I hated every moment”

“I hated every moment on the court,” Djokovic said in front of the locker room at the stadium. “It was obvious that it was a terrible feeling for me.” He revealed deeper physical issues. “It’s something that, unfortunately, has accompanied me in almost every match this year,” the Serb reported. “Vomiting, nausea, a really serious problem. Then my whole body starts to collapse, with cramps and pain. My back just gave up, and eventually my shoulder too, and I couldn’t finish it.” Djokovic had already lost in the first round of the preparatory tournament in Cincinnati with these complaints.

For the 39-year-old Serb, it was his first first-round exit in his 20th appearance at the Grand Slam tournament in New York. Djokovic was visibly unwell. From the start, he appeared affected by the initially 25-degree Celsius and humid conditions, repeatedly resting his hands on his knees after long points and breathing heavily. In the third set alone, he went to the edge of the court several times and vomited.

Djokovic leads 3–0 in the first set, then suffers a performance collapse

Thus, the dream of a 25th Grand Slam title for Djokovic remains unfulfilled—and the chances are becoming increasingly slim at his advanced age in sports. Three years ago, the most successful male tennis professional in history celebrated his last triumph to date at one of the four major tournaments.

Djokovic quickly took a 3–0 lead in the first set, but then his performance collapsed. Navone took the initiative, dominating the long rallies. After 73 minutes, Djokovic lost the first set in a tiebreak. On his way toward the net, the four-time US Open winner removed the sweatbands from his wrists, leading some observers to anticipate a retirement.

However, Djokovic continued to fight and leveled the score at 1–1. In the third set, he had to vomit, but won the set shortly after once again going to a container at the edge of the court. In the stands, his wife Jelena watched the match with a worried expression, while his children Stefan and Tara cheered at point wins. After multiple episodes of vomiting, Djokovic developed muscular issues. Pills, spray, powder, a medical timeout for back treatment—the Serb tried everything. But to no avail: In the fifth set, his resistance broke, and Djokovic had to concede defeat.