Suffering from vomiting, dizziness and cramps, tennis legend Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the first round of the US Open by Argentine Mariano Navone. The Serbian's early fall raises the question of whether Sunday's match was Djokovic's last at the US Open or any other Grand Slam. "I didn't enjoy it (...) I think it was obvious that I felt terrible on the court," Djokovic confessed at the end of the match.

First modification: 08/31/2026 - 20:17 Last modification: 08/31/2026 - 20:23

Novak Djokovic fought against physical and internal ailments, made one mistake after another and could not find what it took to beat the Argentine Mariano Navone in the first round of the US Open, who was not intimidated by the most successful player in tennis. The 39-year-old Serbian was eliminated on Sunday night after falling 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a marathon five-set match that lasted four hours and 36 minutes.

It was the longest Grand Slam opening match of Djokovic's career and his earliest elimination in two decades, since the 2006 Australian Open. He had never before lost in the first round of the US Open.

"I didn't enjoy it... I think it was obvious that I felt terrible on the court," confessed Djokovic, who vomited at least once and later appeared to suffer cramps while clutching his left foot.

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The record holder with 24 Grand Slam titles took some pills brought to him by a doctor and received a massage on his lower back during a medical break between the fourth and fifth sets, but the grimaces of pain returned after a few hits.

Djokovic committed 70 unforced errors in a performance that ended just minutes before midnight.

"It's something that, unfortunately, I've had in practically every match this year: vomiting, dizziness, a serious problem," Djokovic said. "Then my whole body starts to collapse, basically with cramps and pain. Yes, in the end my back and shoulder gave out, and I couldn't finish the game," he added.

After this elimination, just 21 years after his debut at the US Open, the question remains as to whether this was Djokovic's last match in this or any other Grand Slam. After the defeat, he stated that he was "trying to analyze what is happening and how far I can go down this path."

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A downcast Djokovic

It was evident that Novak Djokovic was not at his best, and the wear and tear caused by illness and physical discomfort was felt. The No. 4 seed from Serbia quickly took a lead, winning the first games 3-0 and 4-1, but squandered it and lost the first set — the first time this had happened to him in the first round of the US Open since 2006.

"I just struggled a lot from the fourth game of the match," Djokovic said. "As for the game itself and how I felt in general, both physically and playing, it really wasn't enjoyable at all. So I pretty much hated every moment I spent on the court."

With his wife, Jelena, watching from the stands with a worried expression, Djokovic had moments in which he looked like one of the stars in tennis history. His gesture of raising his fist was discreet after winning the second set. Minutes later, he put his hand to his ear and gestured for the crowd to applaud him as he headed to win third.

But Navone — a 25-year-old Argentine who earlier this year won his first ATP singles title — didn't give up.

Neither did the frustration of not being in top form or at his best. After hitting a shot wide in the fourth set, Djokovic landed awkwardly and dropped his racquet.

Djokovic practically gave up the fourth set. But he couldn't muster enough strength for what would have been his 43rd five-set victory, while Navone got the first of his career, calling it a dream come true.

"It was very difficult for me because you are playing against the 'GOAT' on this court," said Navone, who idolized Djokovic since he was a child. "Without a doubt, it is the best thing that has happened to me on a court. This is an incredible court and the biggest stage. It is incredible how we played. I mean, five sets... I am very happy. I don't know. What can I say?" he added.

The early exit at the US Open extended a nightmarish run for Djokovic, who also lost in the first round of the hard-court warm-up tournament in Cincinnati earlier this month. That was his first participation since losing to the number one in the ranking, Jannik Sinner, in the Wimbledon semifinals.

Djokovic on Saturday expressed hope that his early elimination in Cincinnati would give him more time to prepare for the US Open, but acknowledged his concern that the first match at any tournament has become a challenge for him in recent years. Instead of overcoming the obstacle and continuing to move forward, you are now forced to contemplate an uncertain future.

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