Novak Djokovic has revealed that he has been struggling with a “serious issue” of vomiting during matches after his shock first-round exit at the US Open. The 39-year-old Serb was beaten by Mariano Navone 7-6 5-7 4-6 6-2 6-1, marking his earliest Grand Slam exit in two decades.
Physical Struggles Throughout the Match
Djokovic vomited several times during the contest and broke down in tears at one point. He also dealt with cramps as the match progressed, allowing Navone to take control of the final two sets. The defeat will see Djokovic slip outside the world’s top 10 when the ATP rankings are updated.
Speaking after the match, Djokovic said he felt poorly throughout and described his vomiting as a “serious issue.”
Djokovic’s Own Words
“I didn’t enjoy myself, I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me,” he said. “It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year: vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there.”
He added: “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.”
“When it comes to the match itself and overall feeling of how I felt with my body and playing, it was really not enjoyable. I pretty much despised every moment that I spent on the court for that.”
Recent History and Future Uncertainty
In the last 12 months, Djokovic has vomited during matches at Indian Wells, the Shanghai Masters and the Cincinnati Open. He also hinted at his future after losing to Navone, saying he did not know whether he could continue for much longer.
“I don’t know how I can solve it,” he added. “At the moment, I don’t want to go into too much detail. I’m just trying to understand what’s going on and how much longer I can keep going like this.”
Asked if he considered giving up during the match, Djokovic replied: “Yes, I did, but then I won one set and then another. At that point, I said to myself: ‘OK, maybe there is a chance.’ I didn’t want to give up in the fourth or fifth set. I wanted to finish the match.”
