Novak Djokovic described the grueling five‑set, nearly five‑hour marathon that ended his US Open campaign as something he "despised". The 24‑time Grand Slam champion suffered a first‑round defeat to Argentina's Mariano Navone, marking the first time he has been eliminated at the opening stage of the US Open. Until this loss, Djokovic boasted a perfect 19‑0 record in US Open first‑round matches and had not been knocked out in the opening round of any major since Paul Goldstein's upset at the 2006 Australian Open.
The 39‑year‑old Serbian appeared visibly exhausted during the match. He was repeatedly ill, doubled over in pain, and at one point fought back tears before mustering a courteous smile to congratulate world No.
49 Navone on what was undoubtedly the most significant victory of the Argentine's career. Djokovic also disclosed that the underlying health problem he revealed two weeks earlier is "serious," though he remains determined to address it and return to competition. Djokovic has previously hinted that he might call time on his illustrious career at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where he hopes to march onto the court draped in the Serbian flag for one final appearance. The prospect of retirement, however, has sparked a lively debate among former players and commentators.
Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli expressed her sorrow, stating, "It was so sad to watch. To see him suffer that much was heart‑breaking." She added that Djokovic's physical distress was alarming and emphasized that his health should be the top priority, urging thorough medical examinations before any further decisions are made.
British former world No. 1 Tim Henman also weighed in, describing the loss as "a tough watch" but stopping short of recommending retirement. Henman noted that Djokovic gave everything he could, even when he was up two sets to one with a break in the fourth.
"When he was up, you thought he could turn it around," Henman recalled, "but he was vomiting on court and lacked the energy. Navone, with his youth, seized the momentum and ran away with the fourth and fifth sets." Henman was clear that retirement is a personal choice. "Absolutely not," he said. "If every athlete ranked fifth in the world retired, there would be very few people left in any profession.
It's his prerogative. He should play as long as he feels capable, and I don’t think he should stop now." When asked whether Djokovic still possesses the physical capacity to compete at the highest level, Henman acknowledged the challenges of being 39 years old.
He praised Djokovic's mental toughness and winning instinct but highlighted the toll that age and injury are taking on his body. "His mentality and will to win are still there, but the physical challenges are real," Henman explained. "When he says he 'despised being out there,' that's a clear sign of distress. He will need time to assess his condition because we don't want to see him exit a tournament in such a state." American player Ryan Harrison echoed similar concerns, noting that Djokovic has been battling his body after a difficult stretch that also saw him bow out in the first round of the Cincinnati Open earlier in the month.
Harrison said, "It's frustrating when you're fighting your body and can't enjoy the moment. It's a different kind of pain when you can't relish the sport you love." Despite the setbacks, Harrison remains optimistic about Djokovic's future.
"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," he affirmed, suggesting that a brief hiatus could allow Djokovic to recover and return stronger. The broader tennis community is watching closely.
The US Open continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app. Fans can also look forward to the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also shown on Sky Sports.
In summary, Djokovic's recent defeat raises important questions about his health, longevity, and future plans. While some former champions urge caution and prioritize his well‑being, others argue that retirement is a personal decision that should be left to the athlete himself. As Djokovic evaluates his medical situation and considers his goals—whether that includes a final Olympic appearance in 2028 or a continued presence on the ATP tour—tennis enthusiasts worldwide will be eager to see how the Serbian star navigates this pivotal moment in his storied career.