Novak Djokovic has finally addressed his health status after a brutal US Open defeat.
The tennis legend vomited during a grueling five-set battle against Argentine Mariano Navone. The 39-year-old also lost to exhaustion during the marathon contest.
Novak Djokovic previously lost to Argentina’s Thiago Agustín Tirante at the Cincinnati Open. The tennis player, who entered the ATP Top 10 in 2007, fell off after his latest US Open defeat.
Djokovic was spotted in New York on Tuesday, just two days after his painful US Open exit. The reporters asked the tennis legend how he was feeling after the physically demanding match. His answer was brief but offered some reassurance about his recovery.
“Better. Bit better. A bit better,” Djokovic said. The 39-year-old had been battling illness throughout the four-hour, 36-minute match against unseeded Navone. He vomited multiple times, cramped up, and eventually lost after fighting through the physical problems.
TMZ reported that Djokovic was still not 100% but appeared to be on the mend. The New York crowd noticed his difficulties and tried desperately to lift his spirit.
Thousands of supporters chanted Djokovic’s name as they attempted to push the 24-time Grand Slam champion forward. “Always love. Always love, and gratitude for the support,” Novak appreciated his fans.
The US Open Loss Was Unlike Anything Djokovic Had Faced
5Djokovic’s defeat was particularly shocking because of his extraordinary US Open record. The loss to Navone marked the first time he had been eliminated in the opening round of the tournament. He had previously avoided a first- or second-round US Open defeat across 37 appearances.
The Argentine eventually defeated Djokovic 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1. The match lasted four hours and 36 minutes before Navone completed one of the biggest wins of his career. Navone entered the contest ranked 48th in the world.
Djokovic acknowledged that he had struggled almost from the beginning while praising the Argentine’s fighting spirit. The Blast reported that Djokovic called Navone a “nice guy” and a “fighter.” Navone also called Djokovic the “GOAT” and described the victory as a dream come true.
Novak Djokovic’s Ranking Took A Major Hit
5The tennis player entered the US Open ranked fifth but dropped to 11th in the live rankings after failing to defend his semifinal points. He is now set to leave the ATP Top 10 for the first time since 2018.
Djokovic first entered the ATP Top 10 in 2007. An elbow problem forced him to retire during the 2017 Wimbledon quarterfinals, causing him to miss the rest of that season. He returned to the elite group in 2018 after winning his fourth Wimbledon title.
The ranking change ends an extraordinary run for the Serbian superstar. Djokovic holds the record for the most weeks spent as world No. 1, with 428 weeks at the top. His latest fall also means he will no longer be the only member of tennis’ Big Three inside the Top 10.
For the first time since October 2002, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic will all be outside the ATP Top 10. Federer retired in 2022, while Nadal retired from professional tennis in 2024. Djokovic is therefore entering a new stage of his career as the last active member of that legendary trio.
The Tennis Legend’s Body Had Warned Him
5Djokovic had already endured a difficult Cincinnati Open defeat against Argentina’s Tirante. During that match, he dropped to his knees, appeared to vomit into a towel, and required a medical timeout.
The conditions in Cincinnati were also difficult, with temperatures reaching the mid-80s and humidity in the low-90s. Djokovic made clear that the weather itself was not the underlying problem. He also revealed that he had been dealing with a health issue for many years.
That revelation came while Djokovic was preparing to chase a record 25th Grand Slam title. The Blast revealed that the health issue becomes particularly difficult for him during hot and humid conditions.
Djokovic had also spent years carefully managing his body to avoid major injuries. He previously credited flexibility and physical work away from matches for helping him remain healthy.
Novak Djokovic Will Not Follow Serena Williams’ Path
5Williams, now 44, returned to competition after stepping away from tennis in 2022. Djokovic described her comeback as “epic” while discussing his documentary, “Novak Djokovic: The Wolf in Winter.”The Serbian said he has always admired Williams for continuing to pursue elite competition after having two children.
The tennis player called her attempt an inspiring one regardless of what ultimately happens. However, Djokovic does not believe he necessarily wants to follow the same path into his 40s. He explained that continuing as a professional athlete requires sacrifices beyond physical fitness.
Djokovic also said he does not want to miss important moments involving his family and close friends. The Blast shared that Djokovic has no firm retirement date but has discussed wanting to play until the 2028 Olympics. He described his professional life as incredibly fulfilling and successful while acknowledging the selfishness required from elite athletes.
Novak Djokovic’s latest health update offers some relief, but we still look forward to seeing more of the tennis star.
