Novak Djokovic Reveals Health Struggle After Historic US

Novak Djokovic is confronting a serious physical challenge that derailed his latest Grand Slam bid. The 39-year-old Serbian suffered his earliest major tournament exit in two decades, falling to Argentina's Mariano Navone in the first round of the 2026 US Open on August 31. He later revealed a medical condition has plagued him all season.

What happened to Novak Djokovic at the US Open?

Djokovic's US Open campaign ended in a grueling, four-hour and 36-minute battle against world No. 48 Mariano Navone. The final score was 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1. This defeat marked Djokovic's first ever loss in the opening round at Flushing Meadows, snapping a streak of 78 consecutive Grand Slam first-round victories that began at the 2006 French Open. The match was a physical ordeal. Djokovic was visibly ill, repeatedly vomiting into a courtside bucket and doubling over with cramps and back pain. He said he "despised" every moment on court. "It's something that I've been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year," Djokovic admitted, pointing to vomiting and a body that "starts to collapse."

How is Djokovic's health now?

Two days after the defeat, Djokovic offered a brief update on his condition. Spotted in New York on September 2, he told reporters he was feeling "Better. Bit better. A bit better." While not fully recovered, he appeared to be on the mend. The New York Times reported that during the match, Djokovic swallowed pills to manage stomach issues and cramps, and even cried on court from pain or frustration. He has not publicly disclosed the exact nature of the medical condition he has been managing for the past two years. His dedication to an elite recovery routine remains, but the physical limits are becoming clearer.

Is Novak Djokovic considering retirement?

The shocking loss and ongoing health issues have ignited speculation about the end of Djokovic's legendary career. Former player Sam Querrey has said Djokovic could retire from tennis next year. At 39, Djokovic's extraordinary longevity is itself a story. He remains the only player consistently challenging the new top duo of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for the biggest titles. The Athletic noted this US Open felt different, perhaps offering a glimpse of "what his tennis mortality might look like." For now, Djokovic's focus seems on solving his health puzzle. "I'm trying, man, I'm trying," he said after the loss. "Let's see."

What was the impact of the defeat?

The loss had immediate consequences for Djokovic's ranking and legacy chase. It scuppered his bid for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. He also fell out of the ATP Top 10, a ranking tier he had occupied since first entering it in 2007. The match was a landmark moment for his opponent, too. Navone, 25, called beating his childhood idol on tennis's "biggest stage" "unbelievable" and "crazy." Despite his own suffering, Djokovic was gracious in defeat, congratulating Navone as a "nice guy" and a "fighter." The crowd in Arthur Ashe Stadium tried to lift Djokovic's spirits, chanting his name throughout the match. He expressed "love and gratitude" for that support.

• Historic Exit: The August 31 loss was Djokovic's first US Open first-round defeat in 37 appearances, ending a 78-match Grand Slam first-round win streak.
• Ongoing Illness: Djokovic revealed a medical condition has caused vomiting and physical collapse in "pretty much every match" during the 2026 season.
• Ranking Fall: Following the defeat, the 24-time major champion dropped out of the ATP Top 10 for the first time since 2007.