Novak Djokovic opens up about physical limitations after shock US Open defeat

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Novak Djokovic revealed that severe physical limitations compromised his performance during a dramatic first-round exit at the US Open 2026, admitting his body ‘started to collapse’ during his loss to Argentina’s Mariano Navone. 

The 24-time Grand Slam champion fell 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a thrilling battle at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Reflecting on the loss, the Serbian legend admitted that ongoing health difficulties restricted his form on the court.

“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,” Djokovic said.

“Vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there. Then my whole body starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain. The back just gave up in the end, and my shoulder, and I couldn’t close it out,” he added after his US Open 2026 exit.

Djokovic ‘disappointed’ as his pursuit of 25th Grand Slam title ends

Despite holding a lead in the fourth set after battling back to win the second and third, Djokovic was unable to stop Navone in the final two sets of the match.

“I was a break up in the fourth, but I just struggled all the way since the fourth game of the match. Again, I don’t want to take too much out of his win. Congrats to him. He’s a nice guy, a fighter. But I didn’t enjoy myself,” Djokovic said.

“I won a set and then the third one. Then I was like, ‘Okay, maybe there is a chance’. I didn’t want to give up in fourth or fifth, so I wanted to kind of finish the match,” Djokovic added.

Trailing 1-3 in the deciding set, the 39-year-old became emotional as the New York spectators cheered in his support.

“They were super nice. So grateful to experience this. When it comes to [the] match itself and overall feeling of how I felt with body and while playing, it was really not enjoyable. I pretty much despised every moment that I spent on the court for that,” Djokovic said.

The shock defeat ends Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th Major title in a draw which has seen World No. 1 Jannik Sinner withdraw due to an injury and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz return after a long injury layoff.

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