Novak Djokovic broke down in tears during his shock defeat to Argentina's Mariano Navone in the US Open first round at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows. The 39-year-old could not keep his emotions at bay, with tears flowing during the deciding set of a dramatic match.
Djokovic struggled throughout the encounter and had to stop to be sick in a towel bin. The fourth seed was beaten 7-6 (7-5) 5-7 4-6 6-2 6-1 but showed plenty of the fight he is renowned for throughout his career.
First Grand Slam opening-round loss since 2006
The loss at a humid New York is the first time Djokovic has been beaten in the opening round at Flushing Meadows and the first loss in the opening round of a Grand Slam tournament since 2006.
"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."
Class shown towards Navone
Djokovic showed his class towards 25-year-old Navone, after what will be one of the biggest victories of the world No.49's career. However, the Serbian star appeared close to tears again as he made his way back to the dressing room.
He'd reached at least the semi-finals at six of the previous seven Grand Slams going into the US Open, but his display at Flushing Meadows will have sparked concern among his fanbase.
Health issue revealed
Djokovic appeared nauseous and struggled with a similar issue to the one that affected the former world No.1 at the Cincinnati Open two weeks ago. Djokovic revealed he had been hampered by a "health condition" which has been "bothering" him in the aftermath of the defeat and called it a "serious issue".
"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."
