Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title appears increasingly difficult after the 39-year-old suffered a brutal first-round exit at the US Open. The Serbian tennis icon was visibly distressed during his Sunday night match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where he was ultimately defeated by Argentinian challenger Mariano Navone with a score of 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
This loss marks the first time in two decades that Djokovic has been eliminated in the opening round of a major tournament. Despite the crowd’s vocal support, the veteran star struggled against physical ailments that have persisted throughout the year, including severe cramping, vomiting, and back pain. He admitted that he has yet to find a solution for these recurring health issues.
Reflecting on his physical state, Djokovic shared his frustration, stating, “I’m trying, man, I’m trying. I’m just trying to address really what’s going on and how far I can go this way.” He explained that the symptoms have plagued him during nearly every match this season, eventually leading to his back and shoulder giving out during the match against Navone.
It has been three years since Djokovic claimed his 24th Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open. Since that victory, he has had 12 opportunities to surpass the record he currently shares with Margaret Court, including appearances in two finals and six semi-finals. Earlier this year, he reached the Australian Open final and the Wimbledon semi-finals, though his performance has been hampered by his ongoing physical decline.
Djokovic’s preparation for Flushing Meadows was limited, following a sluggish performance in Cincinnati where he hoped to recover. Despite his diminished condition, he managed to rally from a set down to lead two sets to one against the 49th-ranked Navone before his body finally collapsed under the pressure of the match.
For 25-year-old Mariano Navone, the victory was a career-defining moment. “I don’t know what can I say more because Novak is the GOAT in this sport,” Navone remarked after the match. He noted that he grew up watching Djokovic compete in major tournaments, often waking up early before school to catch his matches, making the win particularly significant.
Djokovic previously expressed a desire to return to Wimbledon at least once more, having recently competed in the longest quarter-final in the tournament’s history against Felix Auger-Aliassime before losing to Jannik Sinner. However, his current struggles on the hardcourt suggest a challenging path ahead as he evaluates his future in the sport. The report also notes that djokovic, knocked out in the first round of a major for the first time in 20 years, said the vomiting, cramping and back pain that hindered him throughout were symptoms that had plagued him for much of the year — and so far he’s found no solution.
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