Novak Djokovic suffers shock US Open exit against Mariano Navone
Novak Djokovic admitted his body “collapsed” during a shocking first-round defeat at the US Open, leaving the Serbian great fighting back tears after Argentina’s Mariano Navone produced the biggest victory of his career at Flushing Meadows, reports BritPanorama.
The 39-year-old Djokovic, widely regarded as one of the sport’s all-time greats, battled through severe physical discomfort, forced to vomit into a towel bin before eventually succumbing to Navone, losing 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. This defeat marked Djokovic’s first opening-round exit at the US Open and his earliest departure from any Grand Slam since 2006.
After congratulating world No 49 Navone at the net, the fourth seed was visibly emotional, breaking down in tears during the decisive set and appearing close to crying as he exited the court. Djokovic later revealed that he had been struggling with a recurring health issue that has affected him throughout the season, stating, “It’s something that I have been carrying pretty much every match this year – vomiting, throwing up.”
He elaborated on his struggles, saying, “And then my whole body starts to collapse basically, cramping and pain – the back just gave up in the end and shoulder, and I couldn’t close it out.” Such health challenges are not new for Djokovic; prior to the US Open, he experienced an early defeat at the Cincinnati Open, where he cited a “health condition” troubling him in extreme weather for several years. Following the loss to Navone, he acknowledged the seriousness of his condition.
Djokovic managed to secure a 4-1 lead in the opening set but his physical performance deteriorated rapidly after a punishing rally. Despite calling for medical assistance and receiving medication, he struggled to maintain momentum, allowing Navone to claim the opening-set tie-break. Although Djokovic found some recovery under the stadium’s cooler conditions, he could not maintain control of the match.
Navone’s resilience shone through as he leveled the match and took the third set, asserting dominance as Djokovic’s physical condition continued to decline. Ultimately, the Argentine powered through to secure a memorable victory just before midnight.
The shock defeat raises questions regarding Djokovic’s future in competitive tennis. Despite reaching at least the semi-finals in six of the previous seven Grand Slams, this inability to finish off an opponent who had never progressed beyond the US Open second round offers concerning hints of his decline.
In a sport where the margins for success are razor-thin, this loss serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll that even the greatest athletes endure, leaving fans wondering what lies ahead for a man often considered invincible.
