Novak Djokovic has spoken up following an emotional exit from the 2026 US Open.
The Serbian superstar bowed out of the tournament in the first round, losing to Mariano Navone in a grueling 5-set match at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, N.Y. The Argentine won 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 to deal Djokovic his first first-round exit at a major since 2006.
A visibly unwell Djokovic addressed reporters after the match and opened up about how he was feeling.
“It was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me,” said Djokovic, via the New York Post’s Brian Lewis. “It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year: vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there. Then my whole body starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain. Yeah, the back just gave up in the end and shoulder, and I couldn’t close it out.
“I was a break up in the fourth, but just struggled all the way since the fourth game of the match. Again, I don’t want to take too much out of his win. Congrats to him. He’s a nice guy, a fighter. But I didn’t enjoy myself.”
When asked if the issues he’s facing are fixable, Djokovic replied: “I don’t know. I’m trying, man. I’m trying. Let’s see.”
Djokovic vomited multiple times, required the use of an inhaler, and took multiple pills to deal with nausea throughout the match. When it became clear he was about to lose midway through the final set, Novak was overcome with emotion and had to wipe away his tears.
DJOKOVIC, QUEBRADO EN PLENO PARTIDO. 😢
— ESPN Tenis (@ESPNtenis) August 31, 2026
📺 Mirá el #USOpen en el Plan Premium de Disney Plus. pic.twitter.com/j68EFhXDvK
Djokovic stands alone in men’s tennis history with 24 Grand Slams. The 39-year-old has little left to prove in a sport he has dominated for the past three decades.
But as with many of the all-time greats in every sport, the best of the best often continue to play up until their bodies no longer allow them. Djokovic is no exception.
