Novak Djokovic confessed he has a "serious" health issue as he was left in tears during a gruelling five-set, nearly five-hour US Open first round defeat against Argentina's Mariano Navone that stunned the tennis world overnight.
The 39-year-old appeared physically exhausted, was repeatedly sick and frequently bent double in discomfort, yet still pushed Navone to the limit.
Nevertheless, the 24-time grand slam champion couldn't avoid a 7-6 (5) 5-7 4-6 6-2 6-1 loss and his first departure in the opening round of a major tournament since Paul Goldstein defeated him at the Australian Open in 2006. Afterwards, he admitted he has a concerning health issue.
Djokovic's frank admission
"I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me," said Djokovic.
"It's something that I've been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year. You know, vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there.
"Then my whole body, you know, 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?"
"Can the issue be fixed? I don't know. I'm trying, man. I'm trying. Let's see."
A gruelling physical battle
Djokovic, holding back tears at one moment in the fifth set, still offered a gracious smile as he congratulated world number 49 Navone on the most significant victory of his career.
"I was a break up in the fourth, but just struggled all the way since the fourth game of the match," he added. "I don't want to take too much out of his win. Congrats to him. He's a nice guy, a fighter. But, you know, I didn't enjoy myself.
"When it comes to match itself and the 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."
Djokovic's face was already flushed and his hair soaked with sweat halfway through the opening set, which he had led 3-0 but ultimately lost in a tie-break.
Having already successfully campaigned to have the roof shut, along with the air conditioning activated, Djokovic fought back late in the second set – after being sick by the courtside towel box – securing the vital break for 6-5.
He was ill again midway through the third but still seized his one opportunity to break serve, and vomited once more at the beginning of the fourth before breaking again for 2-1.
Nevertheless, the 24-time Grand Slam champion seemed to be suffering from cramp and could scarcely move as Navone fought back, before claiming just one more game in a dramatic loss over four hours and 36 punishing minutes.
Williams delayed past midnight
Djokovic's protracted struggles meant Venus Williams did not enter Arthur Ashe Stadium until past midnight for her encounter with fellow wild card Sofia Kenin.
The 46-year-old former champion wasted an extraordinary seven set points in the second set before succumbing to a 6-2 7-6 (6) defeat.
