Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title has ended abruptly after he suffered a five-set defeat to Argentina’s Mariano Navone at the US Open.
The world number 49 produced a major upset, overcoming Djokovic 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a gruelling contest that lasted four hours and 36 minutes.
It was the longest opening-round Grand Slam match of Djokovic’s career and his earliest exit from a major tournament since the 2006 Australian Open.
The result also ended the Serbian’s hopes of claiming a fifth US Open crown, with physical problems affecting his performance in the intense humidity.
Djokovic revealed that he struggled with vomiting, cramping and severe pain throughout the match before his back and shoulder problems eventually forced him to fade.
“I didn’t enjoy myself,” Djokovic said.
“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 started to collapse, basically cramping and pain.
“The back just gave up in the end, and my shoulder, and I couldn’t close it out. Can the issue be fixed? I don’t know. I’m trying, man. I’m trying. Let’s see,” he stated.
