US Open drama: Djokovic vomits on court and suffers early exit

Novak Djokovic’s 20th US Open appearance ended in his first opening-round defeat at the tournament, after the 39-year-old Serbian vomited repeatedly and eventually lost to Mariano Navone in five sets.

Djokovic appeared unwell from the start in the hot and humid conditions. He leaned on his knees after long points and breathed heavily. During the third set, he went to the edge of the court several times and vomited, yet still recovered to take the set.

The match lasted four hours and 36 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Djokovic won the second set after losing the first in a tiebreak, then continued despite further vomiting and the onset of muscle problems. He used tablets, spray and powder, and took a medical timeout for treatment to his back.

His wife, Jelena, watched from the stands with a worried expression, while their children, Stefan and Tara, celebrated his points. Djokovic fought through the fourth set, but his resistance faded in the fifth as Navone took control.

The defeat leaves Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title unfulfilled. He last won one of tennis’s four major tournaments three years ago. He had also experienced physical problems during his first-round exit at the Cincinnati preparatory tournament and previously said a health issue had affected him for several years, particularly in heat and high humidity.

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It is simply a health problem that has been bothering me for a few years, especially in high humidity and heat.