1 of 5 | Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during a changeover in the first set of his match against Mariano Navone of Argentina in the first round at the 2026 U.S. Open on Sunday in Flushing, N.Y. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Novak Djokovic cited issues with his fitness level after his first opening-round loss at a Grand Slam in over two decades at the 2026 U.S. Open.
The Serbian tennis star was seen vomiting and cramping throughout the 4-hour, 36-minute match Sunday in Flushing, N.Y. Meanwhile, 25-year-old foe Mariano Navonel rallied to upset his 39-year-old favored foe 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
"It's something that I've been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year: vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there," Djokovic told reporters. "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."
