Novak Djokovic expressed that he "despised" every second of the grueling five-set, nearly five‑hour marathon that ended his hopes at the US Open in the opening round, prompting a fresh debate about whether he should hang up his racket after a career brimming with trophies. The 24‑time Grand Slam champion suffered his first first‑round defeat at the US Open, falling to Argentina's Mariano Navone.
Until that moment, Djokovic boasted a perfect 19‑0 record in US Open first‑round matches and had not lost his opening match at any major since Paul Goldstein upset him at the Australian Open back in 2006. The 39‑year‑old star also revealed that the underlying health problem he disclosed two weeks prior is "serious," yet he remains determined to address it.
Throughout the match he appeared physically depleted, battling nausea, frequent bouts of illness, and sharp pain that forced him to double over repeatedly. At one point he fought back tears, but managed a courteous smile as he congratulated world No. 49 Navone on what is likely the most significant victory of the Argentine's career.
Djokovic has previously hinted that his ultimate farewell might come at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where he would once again bear the Serbian flag for a final appearance. Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli described the scene as "so sad to watch" and called it "heart‑breaking" to see him suffer to such an extent. She added, "The way he was physically suffering is worrying. His health should come first, so he needs to have proper medical checks to see what happens." British former No.
1 Tim Henman also weighed in, acknowledging that watching Djokovic struggle was "a tough watch" but stopped short of urging retirement. Henman said, "Djokovic wasn't feeling well out on court. He gave it his absolute all to find a way through the match. When he was up two sets to one with a break in the fourth, you thought he could." He continued, "But he was vomiting on the court and didn't have the energy.
Navone kept on fighting and, with youth on his side, he ran away with the fourth and fifth set." Regarding retirement, Henman was unequivocal: "Absolutely not. It's his decision, it's his prerogative. He's No.
5 in the world. If every person who was fifth best in the world at their occupation retired, there wouldn't be many people working. It's purely his decision.
He should play for as long as he likes and I definitely don't think he should be stopping right now." He also noted that while Djokovic's mental fortitude and desire to win remain intact, the physical toll of being 39 and coping with lingering health issues makes the situation "tough." Henman added, "When you hear him saying he 'despised being out there', that's awful. I'm sure he will go away and assess things because that's not the way we want to see Djokovic depart any tournament." American player Ryan Harrison expressed sympathy for the Serbian champion, pointing out that Djokovic has been wrestling with his body after a disastrous stretch that also included a first‑round loss at the Cincinnati Open earlier in the month.
Harrison said, "It's frustrating whenever you're battling your body a little bit, but not enjoying the moment that you're in specifically because it's difficult is quite different from not enjoying the entirety of the sport. He'll want to get back in action in 2027.
I still think he's a great player and he's still at the top of the game." The broader tennis community is now watching closely to see how Djokovic manages his health, his competitive drive, and his legacy. While some pundits argue that his career could gracefully conclude at the 2028 Olympics, others believe he still has enough fire to compete at the highest level for several more years, provided his physical condition improves. The conversation also touches on the broader issue of athlete longevity in modern sport, where advances in sports medicine and training allow players to extend their careers well beyond the age that was once considered the norm for retirement.
Fans, commentators, and fellow players alike are eager for clarity from Djokovic himself. Will he announce a definitive retirement plan, or will he choose to fight on, perhaps adjusting his schedule to accommodate his health needs? The answer will shape not only his personal narrative but also the competitive landscape of men's tennis for the coming decade.
As the US Open continues its broadcast on Sky Sports and streaming platforms, the tennis world remains glued to every development, awaiting the next chapter in the storied saga of one of the sport's most dominant figures.