The 24-time Grand Slam champion fell 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 on the hard courts in New York, describing a recurring, debilitating illness that left him vomiting on the court and ultimately unable to finish the match at full strength.
A Recurring Malady and Physical Collapse on Court
The stark reality of Djokovic’s physical distress became apparent as the match wore on against Navone, ranked 49th in the world. Speaking to reporters after his exit, Djokovic revealed that severe nausea has plagued him throughout the season.
“C’était horrible sur le court. C’est quelque chose que je traîne, malheureusement, quasiment à chaque match cette année. Vomir comme ça, c’est un vrai problème à ce niveau-là.”
By the final sets, the damage extended beyond general fatigue. Djokovic confirmed that structural pain severely compromised his movement. “À la fin, le dos et l’épaule m’ont abandonné et je n’ai pas pu conclure,” he explained, noting that his back and shoulder ultimately gave out as Navone surged to claim the fourth and fifth sets.
Uncharted Territory: A First-Round Grand Slam Exit
The defeat marks a historic and jarring milestone for the veteran champion. For the first time in 20 years, Djokovic has been eliminated in the opening round of a Grand Slam tournament.
“Oui, c’est pas mal comme record, un de plus. Mais je ne pense pas à ça. Je suis fier de tout ce que je réalisé, mais je vis dans l’instant présent. Je sors à peine du court et j’essaye de gérer mon organisme,” he told reporters, emphasizing that his immediate focus remains entirely on medical recovery rather than historical statistics.
Despite the severe discomfort, Djokovic resisted the urge to retire mid-match. Trailing and visibly distressed, he managed to battle back through the middle sets before Navone seized control. Reflecting on whether he considered stopping, Djokovic admitted he weighed the option before finding a temporary competitive spark. “Oui, mais après, j’ai gagné un set, puis un autre, et là, je me suis dit qu’il y avait peut-être une chance. Je ne voulais pas m’arrêter au quatrième ou au cinquième. J’avais envie de finir ce match.”
Uncertain Path Forward for the Champion
Navone earned high praise from the defeated legend, with Djokovic refusing to detract from the Argentine player’s performance. “Je ne veux pas minimiser sa victoire. Bravo à lui. C’est un type sympa, un guerrier. Mais je n’ai pas passé un bon moment,” Djokovic said.
When pressed on whether a solution exists for his recurring health problems, the 37-year-old was noncommittal: “Je ne sais pas. J’essaye. On verra.” Asked what lessons he takes from recent months, he added that he is simply trying to evaluate how much further his body can carry him.
