Novak Djokovic endured a brutal night at the US Open before suffering a stunning first-round defeat to Argentina’s Mariano Navone.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner spent four hours and 36 minutes battling through severe physical discomfort on Arthur Ashe Stadium before eventually losing 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
Djokovic’s problems became evident early in the contest. Less than 20 minutes into the match, the Serbian was already struggling with the humid conditions, repeatedly bending over and appearing short of breath despite playing during the evening session.
His condition deteriorated as the match progressed. Djokovic vomited several times, struggled with his balance and was affected by cramps and pain. During one particularly difficult moment, he walked towards the side of the court and was sick into a towel bin.
Rain later forced organisers to close the roof at 4-3 in the opening set, but the change did little to ease Djokovic’s discomfort. He repeatedly used ice-soaked towels in an attempt to cool his body, while a doctor also gave him medication during the first set.
Despite the physical problems, Djokovic managed to stay competitive for much of the encounter, helped by an effective serving performance. He won the first set in a tiebreak before Navone fought back and eventually took control of the match.
The defeat represents one of the most unexpected setbacks of Djokovic’s remarkable career. His appearance at the tournament was his 84th at a Grand Slam, extending his own record, but he has now suffered only the third first-round defeat of his career at a major. His previous opening-round exit came at the 2006 Australian Open, when he was just 18.
The Serbian had experienced similar difficulties only weeks earlier at the Cincinnati Open, where he struggled in humid evening conditions before losing to another Argentine, Thiago Agustín Tirante, in straight sets.
Djokovic later revealed that an existing health problem, which becomes more difficult to manage in hot and humid conditions, has been affecting him throughout the season. He said the issue has repeatedly led to vomiting before his body begins to suffer from cramps and severe pain.
Against Navone, Djokovic eventually reached his physical limit. After breaking in the fourth set, he was unable to maintain the momentum, with problems affecting his back and shoulder as well as the rest of his body.
Navone, meanwhile, remained composed throughout the contest and completed one of the biggest victories of his career. Although the Argentine is known as a determined competitor and has climbed back into the world’s top 50, many of his strongest results have traditionally come on clay.
What initially appeared to be a favourable opening-round assignment for Djokovic instead became one of the most physically demanding matches of his career, ending with the Serbian visibly emotional as his latest US Open campaign came to a painful conclusion.