Novak Djokovic was reduced to tears during the deciding set of his US Open first-round match as the 24-time Grand Slam champion battled severe physical discomfort before suffering one of the earliest major exits of his career. The 39-year-old was beaten 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 by Argentina’s Mariano Navone at Arthur Ashe Stadium, bringing his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title to an abrupt end.
The defeat carries considerable historical weight. There was another striking piece of symmetry to the night. This time, there would be no escape.
Djokovic had never previously lost in the opening round of the US Open, despite playing the tournament on 19 previous occasions. It was also his first first-round defeat at a Grand Slam since 2006, ending a remarkable run spanning approximately two decades in which he had always survived his opening match at the four majors. Djokovic’s defeat came 21 years to the day after his first US Open match on August 30, 2005, when the then-young Serbian defeated Gael Monfils in five sets.
Djokovic had fought back impressively after losing the opening set and moved two sets to one ahead, but his physical condition deteriorated sharply during the latter stages of the contest. He was seen vomiting during the match, used an inhaler and took medication, while also repeatedly stretching and appearing troubled by his back and legs. Despite struggling with the conditions, he managed to stay with Navone and produced the kind of recovery that has characterised so many of his greatest Grand Slam performances. Djokovic’s difficulties in New York came shortly after he had spoken about an unspecified health condition that has affected him for several years, particularly in hot and humid conditions.
“It’s just a condition that I have, health-wise, that has been bothering me for the past couple of years,” Djokovic had said ahead of the US Open, adding that heat and humidity could cause him significant problems.
Djokovic ‘s problems had been apparent much earlier in the match.
