"Vomiting, constantly throwing up, there’s a serious problem there" - Novak Djokovic exits US Open in pain and turmoil following harrowing experience

Novak Djokovic saw his US Open ambitions crash and burn in another damaging defeat that has exposed his vulnerability on court at the age of 39. Mariano Navone was there to capitalise, winning 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a five-set thriller that saw one of the title favourites depart on day one of the major event.

With Jannik Sinner not featuring and fitness concerns still swirling around Carlos Alcaraz, there was a sense of expectation and hope surrounding the 24-time Grand Slam champion heading to Flushing Meadows that he may be able to complete something extraordinary. That was not the case.

He was broken back in the first set before the Argentine won the tiebreak. Djokovic prevailed in two tight sets to lead before buckling on court. After breaking to go 2-1 ahead in the fourth set, Navone went on to win 11 of the remaining 12 games to cause a huge upset and send the four-time winner tumbling out.

As he left the court, he shared his love to the crowd watching him on, offering out a round of applause as he exited the stadium. He battled on court in tremendous pain for four hours and 36 minutes, even getting emotional at one point in the fifth set as his world seemingly came crashing down around him.

He was downbeat and sombre in his press conference following the painful defeat as he tried to reflect on the events that had just occurred on Arthur Ashe Stadium. “I think it was obvious that it was a horrible feeling for me on the court," he commented. "It’s something that, unfortunately, I’ve been dealing with in practically every match this year. Vomiting, constantly throwing up, there’s a serious problem there. Then my whole body basically starts to shut down, with cramps and pain."

These transferred from the practice court to the main thing with him collapsing in another five-set battle, unable to keep pace with his opponent with his body failing him. "My back finally gave out, and my shoulder too, and I couldn’t close out the match. I got a break up in the fourth, but I struggled from the fourth game onwards."

While he struggled, Navone thrived and produced only the second top 10 win of his career. The Serbian gave him his flowers. "I don’t want to take too much away from his victory. I congratulate him. He’s a good guy, a fighter, but I didn’t enjoy it.”

He was asked what the solution to all of this was, but even the great Djokovic could not put his finger on it. “I don’t know. I’m trying, man. I’m trying. We’ll see. I’m not going that deep right now. I’m just trying to really address what’s going on and how far I can get this way.”

Djokovic continued by admitting that there were thoughts retiring on court, but he opted to last it out and put on a show for the crowd. “Yes, I thought about it," he acknowledged. "I did think about it, but then I won a set and then a third. Then I thought, 'Okay, maybe there's a chance.'"

By the time Navove got back level, Djokovic's intentions were clear. "I didn't want to quit in the fourth or fifth, so I wanted to finish the match.”

He failed to prevail, recording only his third first round exit at Grand Slam level. Unbelievably, the other two came at the Australian Open in 2005 and 2006, showcasing the ridiculous longevity and class to go over two decades without losing in the first round of a major competition.

However, that streak has crash and burned along with his US Open title hopes. He saw the positive side of that achievement, but was only thinking about now. “Yes, it’s another good record," he said. "But I’m not really thinking about it. Of course, I’ve been very proud of all the past achievements, but now is now. Right now I’ve just stepped off the track and I’m still trying to get my body under control.”

It was a special moment for Djokovic to step back onto Arthur Ashe Stadium, the biggest in the sport, in front of a packed crowd eager to watch him strut his stuff. It was a 20th US Open campaign, and the earliest he has exited from the competition but none the less he could take the positives from the spectators and atmosphere created. “They were incredible. I’m so grateful to have experienced this," he stated.

Those thoughts were on the complete contrary from the match itself. "As for the match itself, the overall feeling of how I was physically and playing wasn’t pleasant at all. I practically disregarded every moment I spent on the court because of it."

He thanked the crowd for their support and even apologised for not doing better. "But from the perspective of the crowd and their support, it was incredible, honestly, from the very beginning. They tried to lift me up during the important moments, and I’m so sorry I didn’t perform as well as I should have, could have, or wanted to for them. But the love and affection they showed me at the end really touched my heart.”

The question now is what next for Djokovic. 2026 has been a mixed year. The Australian Open final and Wimbledon semi-final showcased he does have what it takes to go deep in major tournaments with some eye-catching performances mixed in there, but the early exits in Rome, Paris, Cincinnati and most prominently New York has left a lot of question marks over whether Djokovic will be able to continue playing, at least at the top level. He will turn 40 next year with his chance of winning a 25th Grand Slam title fading away.