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Novak Djokovic’s US Open Nightmare: ‘My Whole Body Collapsed’ as Retirement Questions Explode
Novak Djokovic’s US Open campaign ended in stunning fashion after the 39-year-old battled vomiting, cramps, severe pain and a back and shoulder collapse during a shocking first-round defeat.
Novak Djokovic has admitted he does not know “how much longer” his body can keep going after one of the most physically punishing defeats of his career.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion was eliminated from the 2026 US Open in the first round, losing to Argentina’s Mariano Navone 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a brutal four-hour, 36-minute battle at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
It was Djokovic’s earliest US Open exit since his first-round defeat at the tournament in 2006 and his first-ever opening-round loss at the US Open.
But the result was overshadowed by the Serbian superstar’s alarming physical condition.
Djokovic Vomited and Struggled to Continue
Djokovic appeared to be battling serious physical problems from the opening stages.
After establishing a 4-1 lead in the first set, his condition visibly deteriorated. He was seen vomiting courtside and repeatedly struggling during long rallies as Navone relentlessly extended points.
Novak Djokovic somehow fought back to win the second and third sets, briefly appearing to turn the match around.
Then his body appeared to give out.
The Serbian required medical attention for a back problem before the fifth set and struggled to generate his normal serving power. Navone capitalized, winning 11 of the final 12 games to complete the biggest victory of his career.
“The vomiting, the gagging, it’s a serious problem,” Djokovic said afterward. “Then my whole body collapsed, with cramps and pain.”
He added that his back and shoulder eventually gave out, too.
‘I Don’t Know How Much Longer I Can Keep Going’
The comments that will concern Novak Djokovic fans most came when he was asked whether he knew how to solve the physical problems that have repeatedly affected him.
“I don’t know,” Djokovic said.
The tennis legend declined to discuss the medical details but acknowledged that he is trying to understand what is happening to his body.
“I’m just trying to understand what’s going on and how much longer I can keep going like this,” he said.
That sentence immediately reignited speculation about whether Djokovic could be approaching the end of his extraordinary career.
However, Djokovic did not announce his retirement or provide a timetable for stepping away from professional tennis.
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Another Health Warning After Cincinnati
The US Open defeat follows another worrying episode at the Cincinnati Open earlier this month.
Novak Djokovic struggled badly in the heat and humidity during his opening-round loss and required medical attention. He had also entered the US Open with limited match preparation after reaching the Wimbledon semifinals.
The pattern has raised questions about whether the physical demands of five-set Grand Slam tennis are becoming increasingly difficult for the 39-year-old.
Yet writing Djokovic off would be premature.
He reached the Australian Open final earlier this year and the Wimbledon semifinals despite limited competition time.
He has also previously discussed ambitions that stretch as far as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Navone Produces the Biggest Win of His Career
While Djokovic’s physical struggles dominated the headlines, Mariano Navone deserves enormous credit.
The 25-year-old Argentine had never won a five-set match before Sunday and had never progressed beyond the third round at a Grand Slam.
Against Djokovic, he refused to let the opportunity disappear.
Navone chased down balls, extended rallies and repeatedly forced Djokovic to play one more shot. He saved eight of the 12 break points he faced and maintained his composure even when Djokovic briefly threatened another comeback in the final set.
The victory sends Navone into the second round and represents the biggest win of his career.
Djokovic’s 25th Grand Slam Dream Takes Another Hit
Djokovic’s ultimate target remains a record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles title.
But after another physically difficult tournament, that goal suddenly looks more distant.
His defeat also creates a remarkable opening in the US Open draw. With Jannik Sinner already out and Carlos Alcaraz returning after a wrist injury layoff, the path has opened considerably for other contenders.
American players such as Frances Tiafoe and Brandon Nakashima could now see a major opportunity, while former champion Daniil Medvedev remains a dangerous threat.
The bigger story, however, remains Djokovic.
For more than two decades, he has repeatedly found ways to overcome age, injuries and seemingly impossible physical challenges.
But at 39, the question is no longer whether Djokovic can still produce extraordinary tennis.
It is whether his body will allow him to keep doing it.
And after saying “I don’t know how much longer” he can continue under these conditions, the tennis world is waiting for his next move.
