Struggling Novak Djokovic exits US Open in first round for the first time in 20 years

Novak Djokovic’s US Open campaign ended before it had properly begun, with the Serbian suffering his first first-round exit at the tournament in 20 years.

On Arthur Ashe Stadium, Djokovic appeared in severe physical distress during a match that lasted more than four and a half hours. He lost to Argentina’s Mariano Navone, ranked 49th, 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.

Djokovic said he vomited during the match and then felt his body begin to fail. “It was horrible on the court. It’s something I’ve unfortunately been carrying almost every match this year. Vomiting like that is a real problem at this level. Then my whole body started to give out, with pain and cramps,” he said.

The result is another setback for the former world No. 1, now ranked fifth. It also makes the prospect of Djokovic winning a record 25th Grand Slam title at age 39 more distant.

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It was horrible on the court. It’s something I’ve unfortunately been carrying almost every match this year. Vomiting like that is a real problem at this level. Then my whole body started to give out, with pain and cramps.