Overview
- Djokovic was beaten by Mariano Navone in a five‑set first‑round match on Sunday, suffering vomiting, severe cramping and visible emotional distress on court.
- The 39‑year‑old said the symptoms reflect an unspecified condition that has troubled him through 2026 and is worsened by hot, humid conditions.
- Former players and coaches reacted within days with split advice, with some urging schedule and training changes to regain match fitness and others warning that more tournaments could worsen his physical and mental strain.
- Hours after the loss Djokovic was entered on the China Open entry list for late September, and he is set to drop out of the ATP top 10 after losing US Open points.
- The result accelerates a wider shift in men’s tennis — the Big Three all failed to reach a second‑round spot at this Slam for the first time since 2003 — and leaves open hard choices about Djokovic’s pursuit of further records or a redefinition of his priorities.