Novak Djokovic broke down in tears during his US Open first-round defeat to Argentina's Mariano Navone at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows. The 39-year-old was beaten 7-6 (7-5) 5-7 4-6 6-2 6-1, marking the first time he has lost in the opening round at the tournament.
Emotional defeat in New York
Djokovic struggled to contain his emotions during the final set of the dramatic encounter, with tears streaming down his face. He also had to pause to be sick in a towel bin during the match, which was played in humid conditions.
The defeat is Djokovic's first opening-round loss at any Grand Slam since 2006. He had reached at least the semi-finals at six of the previous seven majors heading into the US Open.
Djokovic's reaction and health concerns
"I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me," Djokovic said. "I don't want to take too much out of Mariano's win. Congrats to him, he's a nice guy and a fighter - but I didn't enjoy myself."
The Serbian star showed class towards the 25-year-old Navone, who is ranked world No. 49, following what will be one of the biggest wins of his career. Djokovic looked close to tears again as he headed back to the dressing room.
Health issue revealed
Djokovic disclosed he had been hindered by a "health condition" which has been "bothering" him following the loss and described it as a "serious issue". He had battled with a comparable problem at the Cincinnati Open two weeks ago.
"It's something that I have been carrying pretty much every match this year - vomiting, throwing up," Djokovic said. "And then my whole body starts to collapse basically, cramping and pain - the back just gave up in the end and shoulder, and I couldn't close it out."
