Djokovic ousted in US Open first round after five-set struggle
Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the first round of the US Open on [date] after a five-set defeat to Argentina's Mariano Navone, 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1. The match lasted four hours and 36 minutes, during which the 39-year-old Serbian was repeatedly sick on court.
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, looked physically spent throughout the contest. He swallowed pills and used an inhaler after vomiting at least three times, according to reports. Despite his obvious discomfort, he refused to retire, but ultimately could not prevent his first opening-round exit at a major since Paul Goldstein beat him at the Australian Open in 2006.
Physical struggles and turning point
Djokovic had won the third set and was leading in the fourth before Navone turned the match around. The world No. 2 (or current ranking, if known) described his body breaking down during the match.
"Vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there. 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," Djokovic said, as quoted by The Indian Express.
He added that he tried his best to stay in the contest but could not overcome his physical struggles. "I won a set and then the third one. Then I was like, 'Okay, maybe there is a chance'. I didn't want to give up in fourth or fifth, so I wanted to kind of finish the match," he said. "But I didn't enjoy myself."
Earlier in the tournament, Djokovic had successfully lobbied to have the roof closed and the air conditioning switched on, according to ie. The temperature in New York was warm but not as extreme as Cincinnati, where two weeks ago Djokovic had collapsed to his knees and was sick into a towel after a defeat. He had previously mentioned a "health issue" that he has dealt with "for many years" and which affects him in heat and humidity.
Crowd support and emotional response
Despite the pain, Djokovic acknowledged the support of the New York crowd, who tried to lift him up in the final set. He was clearly moved, tearing up as fans rallied behind him.
"They were super nice. So grateful to experience this. When it comes to the match itself and overall feeling of how I felt with body and while playing, it was really not enjoyable. I pretty much despised every moment that I spent on the court for that," Djokovic said, as reported by The Indian Express.
"But from the perspective of the crowd and support, it was incredible, honestly, from the beginning. They were trying to lift me up in important moments, and I'm very sorry that I didn't perform as well as I should have or could have or wanted to for them. But the love and appreciation they gave me in the end really touched my heart," he added.
Implications for the tournament
The defeat ended Djokovic's hopes of a 25th Grand Slam title at this year's US Open. His exit comes after World No. 1 Jannik Sinner withdrew from the tournament due to injury, while defending champion Carlos Alcaraz entered the event after a long break, according to The Indian Express.