US Open earthquake: Djokovic eliminated in the first round. The tears of the champion: I threw up, my body is failing The video

Novak Djokovic was stunned by a shocking first-round exit at the US Open, losing in five sets to Argentina’s Mariano Navone on August 30, 2026. The defeat marked the first time in his career that Djokovic had been eliminated at the opening round of a Grand Slam tournament. The 39-year-old Serb, currently ranked fifth in the world, had entered the tournament with high hopes of reaching the elusive 25th Grand Slam title, which would have made him the sole holder of that record. However, physical ailments plagued him throughout the match, leading to moments of severe discomfort and even vomiting during the contest. Djokovic described feeling extremely unwell on court, noting that he had experienced similar issues in nearly every match this year. He admitted to considering retiring from the match after winning the second and third sets but ultimately decided to continue, despite the overwhelming physical strain. The match against Navone, who was seeded 49th, lasted four hours and 36 minutes, ending with a scoreline of 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1. Djokovic initially showed promise, taking the first set to a tiebreak before securing the second and third sets. However, his body began to falter significantly in the fourth set, where he suffered from cramps and pain in his back and shoulder. Despite his efforts, Djokovic lost eight games in a row, allowing Navone to complete a remarkable comeback and secure the victory. The loss ended Djokovic’s streak of 78 consecutive wins at the first round of Grand Slams, a run that had started after his defeat to Paul Goldstein at the 2006 Australian Open. Djokovic expressed deep regret over the outcome, acknowledging that he did not perform up to his usual standards. He praised Navone for his performance, calling him a good player and a fighter. Djokovic emphasized that while he felt immense pain and discomfort during the match, he appreciated the support from the New York crowd, who tried to rally behind him during critical moments. He stated that he was still trying to understand the extent of his current physical condition and how far he could go under such circumstances. His comments highlighted the ongoing challenges he has faced this season, both physically and mentally, as he continues to compete at the highest level of professional tennis. The US Open, which commenced on August 30, 2026, has already shown signs of unpredictability following Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal due to a knee injury. This absence has created uncertainty around the tournament, particularly concerning the competition for the men’s singles title. Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning champion, returned to action after a four-month hiatus due to a wrist injury. While Alcaraz is considered a favorite, questions remain about whether he will be fully prepared to defend his title. His return to competitive play raises concerns about how well he can handle the demands of best-of-five-set matches and whether he can regain his previous form quickly. For Djokovic, the US Open represented a crucial opportunity to achieve a historic milestone. At 39, he may not have another better chance than this one to reach the 25th Grand Slam title. His recent performances, including a loss in the first round of the Cincinnati Masters, suggest that he might need to rely heavily on his experience and mental toughness to navigate through the tournament successfully. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev, who had struggled in earlier tournaments, sees the US Open as a prime opportunity to climb higher in the rankings and challenge for the number one spot in the ATP standings. Flavio Cobolli, representing Italy, is among the notable players hoping to make their mark at the US Open. Ranked sixth in the world and fourth in the ATP Race to the Finals, Cobolli aims to secure points that could help him qualify for the last tournament of the season in Torino. His strong performances at Wimbledon and Cincinnati indicate that he has the potential to surprise many in Flushing Meadows. Other players such as Arthur Fils and Ben Shelton, who recently won Masters 1000 events, are also expected to be strong contenders. Their presence adds depth to the competition and increases the chances of unexpected outcomes. Lorenzo Musetti and Luciano Darderi are two other Italian players looking to make an impact. Musetti, coming off a long injury layoff, seeks confirmation of his current form, while Darderi aims to capitalize on his recent successes on clay courts. Both players face stiff competition from established names and rising stars alike, making the US Open a challenging yet exciting tournament for them. As the tournament progresses, the focus will shift to how the remaining players adapt to the conditions and maintain their form. With Djokovic’s early exit setting the stage for surprises, the US Open promises to deliver thrilling matches and potentially unexpected results. Players like Alcaraz, Zverev, and others will need to step up if they are to claim the coveted titles. The tournament, known for its unpredictable nature, offers ample opportunities for underdogs to shine and for favorites to falter, ensuring that each day brings fresh excitement and anticipation.