'My whole body starts to collapse': Djokovic explains health concern after shock 20-year first
- Christian Montegan
- 11 hours ago
- 2 min read
Novak Djokovic provided insight into his physical state after admitting he has struggled "pretty much every match this year" following a stunning US Open boil over.
The 39-year-old faced world No. 49 Mariano Navone in the opening round on Arthur Ashe Stadium, as the Serbian star dropped the first set in a tiebreak before taking control with a two-sets-to-one lead.
However, during that time, Djokovic was captured throwing up on the side of the court.
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Despite earning an early break in the fourth, the four-time winner at Flushing Meadows conceded the next five games to lose the set, before calling for a medical timeout.
Djokovic broke down in tears when trailing 1-3 in the decider, as he turned to his box and said: "I have nothing right now."
Fans rose to their feet in loud cheers to support him, but it wasn't enough, as Navone prevailed 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in four hours and 36 minutes, with the match finishing just before midnight local time.
"It's something that I've been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year: vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there," Djokovic shared in his post-match press conference.
"My whole body starts to collapse, cramping and pain. The back just gave up in the end, and the shoulder too."
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For the first time in eight years, Djokovic will fall outside the top 10.
Not since 2006 at the Australian Open has he lost a first round match at a Grand Slam, snapping an incredible 78-match streak.
"I didn't enjoy myself," said Djokovic. "I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me."
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