Djokovic Reveals Recurring Illness After Shocking US Open First-Round Defeat
Novak Djokovic lost a five-set thriller to Mariano Navone in the US Open's opening round, a match in which he repeatedly vomited and suffered back and shoulder pain. The 39-year-old said he has dealt with vomiting and cramping in nearly every match this year, and his body gave out late in the contest. The defeat extends a winless 2026 season, raising further questions about his future in the sport.
The five-set defeat marks Djokovic's earliest exit at Flushing Meadows in years, with Navone seizing control after the third set and conceding just three games across the final two frames. Djokovic's medical timeout before the deciding set targeted his back, yet he managed only one game afterward as cramping spread through his body.
The 39-year-old's 2026 campaign has now produced zero titles, a first since 2005. His Cincinnati opener loss to Tirante preceded this New York collapse, and his recent comments about skipping the 2027 Cincinnati tune-up suggest the physical toll may be accelerating his timeline toward retirement.
Djokovic's prolonged health struggles could reshape the men's tennis landscape, as his absence from title contention may accelerate the generational shift already underway. Fans who have followed his record-breaking career may face the reality of an imminent farewell, while younger players gain opportunities in majors once dominated by the sport's established icons. His