Novak Djokovic Despised Every Moment of Painful US Open Exit: “Awful Feeling”

Because Novak Djokovic suffered an opening-round exit at the Cincinnati Masters and also abruptly ended his practice session before the US Open, there were concerns regarding how he would perform in the last Major of the season. Well, Djokovic struggled physically during his first-round match against Mariano Navone on Sunday (August 30).

The match, which ended after four hours in favor of the Argentine ace with a 7-6 (5) 5-7 4-6 6-2 6-1 scoreline, saw Djokovic break down in tears as well as throw up several times. Later at the press conference, Djokovic talked about what exactly he was dealing with.

I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me. It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year. Vomiting, throwing up- a serious issue there. Then my whole body starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain. Yeah, the back just gave up in the end, and shoulder, and I couldn’t close it out.

Novak Djokovic said (H/T: ATP Tour)

Djokovic, after his opening-round defeat in Cincinnati, revealed that he has been dealing with a persistent health problem that worsens when he plays in hot and humid conditions.

When it comes to [the] match itself and overall feeling of how I felt with body and playing, it was really not enjoyable. I pretty much despised every moment that I spent on the court for that. But from the perspective of the crowd and support, it was incredible, honestly, from the beginning. They were trying to lift me up in important moments, and I’m very sorry that I didn’t perform as well as I should have or could have or wanted to for them.

Novak Djokovic added

Navone, a one-time ATP singles titlist, will be playing in the second round of the US Open for the second time. The 25-year-old will be hoping to reach the third round of a Major for the second time in his career after defeating the winner of the match between Matteo Berrettini and wild card Stan Wawrinka.

Novak Djokovic loses in the Grand Slam first round for the third time in his career

This was only the third time in his legendary career that Novak Djokovic lost in the first round of a Grand Slam tournament. The first time was on his Grand Slam debut at the 2005 Australian Open, while the second time was in the same tournament the following season. At Flushing Meadows before this season, Nole had never lost in either the first or the second round.

It’s a good record, another one. But, yeah, I’m not really thinking about it. Of course, I’ve been very proud of all the achievements in the past, but now is now. Now [it] is fresh off the court, and [I am] still trying to manage my body.

Novak Djokovic said at the press conference

This was the third time this season that Djokovic crashed out of a tournament after defeat in the opening round, following the Italian Open and the Cincinnati Masters. Many thought this was another great opportunity for the World No.5 to end his Grand Slam title drought in the absence of last year’s US Open runner-up Jannik Sinner and the comeback of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz after nearly five months of injury hiatus.

In the previous three Majors, Djokovic made one final, by defeating Sinner in the semifinal of the Australian Open. Later, he lost the title to seven-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz.

Joao Fonseca upset him in the third round of the French Open, while at Wimbledon, Djokovic lost to eventual champion Sinner in the semifinals. The Italian is not playing in New York due to a knee niggle and was last seen in action in the final of Wimbledon, where he defeated Alexander Zverev to defend his title.

Also read: Novak Djokovic Opens Up About His New Documentary and Hints at Future Projects