Novak Djokovic Vows to Fight On After Vomiting, Cramping

Novak Djokovic's 2026 US Open ended in a painful and unprecedented first-round defeat. The 39-year-old Serbian legend, visibly ill and vomiting into a bucket, fell to Argentina's Mariano Navone in five sets on August 31, ending his 78-match Grand Slam first-round win streak that began in 2006.

What happened during Novak Djokovic's US Open loss?

Djokovic battled for over four and a half hours against world No. 48 Mariano Navone. He lost 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a match where his physical distress was the dominant story. The 24-time Grand Slam champion repeatedly threw up, doubled over in pain, and suffered full-body cramps. He later 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 a recurring medical issue he has not fully disclosed. Despite the agony, he pushed the match to a fifth set before his body gave out.

Is Djokovic's body finally breaking down?

The loss forced a stark conversation about Djokovic's tennis mortality. At 39, his extraordinary longevity has kept him as the primary rival to younger stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Nothing about his famed dedication to recovery and routine has changed in two years, according to a New York Times Athletic report. Yet a mysterious condition is leaving him depleted. In a hallway under Arthur Ashe Stadium after the loss, a weary Djokovic told reporters, 'I'm trying, man, I'm trying. Let's see.' The defeat was his earliest Grand Slam exit in two decades, a jarring result for a player who has defined an era. You can track his recovery and future tournament entries on our [injuries](/injuries) page.

What has Djokovic said about his health since the match?

Spotted in New York two days after the defeat, Djokovic offered a brief update on his condition. 'Better. Bit better. A bit better,' he said, according to TMZ. While not at 100%, he appeared to be on the mend. The Serbian expressed deep gratitude for the fan support that saw thousands chanting his name during the match, trying to lift him through the physical ordeal. 'Always love. Always love, and gratitude for the support,' he said.

When will Novak Djokovic retire?

A new documentary offers a revealing look at Djokovic's life beyond tennis and his thoughts on retirement. While the exact timing remains his own, the film suggests the end of his playing career is a conscious consideration. This introspection comes at a moment when his physical struggles are more public than ever. The documentary provides context for a champion planning his next chapter, even as he continues to compete at the highest level.

• Novak Djokovic's 78-match Grand Slam first-round win streak, active since 2006, ended with his US Open loss.
• He has been battling vomiting and cramping issues 'pretty much every match' throughout the 2026 season.
• A new documentary explores his life after tennis and his evolving perspective on retirement.

His immediate future hinges on managing the health problem that sabotaged his US Open. For now, Djokovic's fight continues, but the path forward has never looked more daunting.