Novak Djokovic described the grueling five‑set, nearly five‑hour match that ended his US Open campaign as something he "despised" every minute of. The loss has sparked a fresh debate about whether the Serbian legend should hang up his racket and conclude a career that has already yielded a staggering 24 Grand Slam titles. For the first time in his career, Djokovic fell in the opening round of the US Open, succumbing to Argentina's Mariano Navone. Until this upset, the world No.
1 boasted a flawless 19‑0 record in first‑round matches at Flushing Meadows and had not been eliminated in the opening round of any major since Paul Goldstein beat him at the Australian Open in 2006. The 39‑year‑old champion also opened up about a serious underlying health issue that he first disclosed two weeks earlier. While he remains determined to address the problem, the physical toll was evident throughout the match.
Djokovic appeared exhausted, suffered repeated bouts of nausea, and was frequently doubled over in pain. At one point he fought back tears, yet managed a courteous smile as he congratulated Navone, who was ranked No. 49 in the world, on what was arguably the biggest victory of his career. Djokovic has previously hinted that his final tournament might be the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where he would once again wave the Serbian flag for a sentimental farewell.
The recent defeat, however, has reignited speculation about whether he should accelerate those plans. Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli weighed in, describing the scene as "heart‑breaking" and expressing concern for Djokovic's wellbeing. "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," she said. British former No. 1 Tim Henman also commented on the match, acknowledging the difficulty of watching Djokovic struggle but stopping short of advocating retirement. "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," Henman recalled. He noted that Navone's youthful energy helped him dominate the final two sets, while Djokovic was battling vomiting and a lack of stamina. Henman stressed that retirement is a personal decision.
"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 asserted. When asked whether an ailing Djokovic still possesses the physical capacity to compete at the highest level, Henman responded that his mental toughness and desire to win remain intact, but the physical challenges of a 39‑year‑old body are undeniable. "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," Henman added. American player Ryan Harrison echoed the sentiment that Djokovic is battling his body after a difficult stretch that also saw him exit early in the Cincinnati Open earlier in the month. "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," Harrison explained. He remains optimistic about Djokovic's future, noting, "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 watching closely. Djokovic's recent health disclosures include a lingering issue that has affected his breathing and endurance, prompting concerns about his long‑term viability on the tour. Sports physicians suggest that at his age, recovery times are longer, and chronic conditions require careful management to avoid permanent damage. If Djokovic chooses to continue, he will need a tailored training regimen, possibly incorporating more physiotherapy, nutrition adjustments, and a reduced tournament schedule to allow for proper rest.
Some experts argue that a strategic reduction in the number of events could extend his career while preserving his legacy. Conversely, if he decides to retire sooner than planned, the tennis world would lose one of its most dominant figures, but it could also allow him to exit on his own terms, preserving his health and personal life.
Retirement at the 2028 Olympics would provide a symbolic bookend, allowing him to represent Serbia one final time on a global stage. Regardless of the path he chooses, Djokovic's influence on the sport remains indelible. His relentless work ethic, mental resilience, and record‑breaking achievements have inspired a generation of players. The conversation now centers not on whether he should retire, but on how he can best protect his health while still contributing to tennis, whether as a player, mentor, or ambassador.
Fans can continue to follow the US Open live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app. The tournament runs through early September, and while Djokovic's future remains uncertain, the drama surrounding his health and potential retirement adds an extra layer of intrigue to this year's event.