Novak Djokovic Threw Up vs. Mariano Navone, Tennis Icon Addresses Health Status After US Open Loss

Novak Djokovic got put through the wringer in his stunning first-round upset to Mariano Navone at the U.S. Open on Sunday.

"It's something that I've been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year: vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there," he said after the match, per ESPN.com. "Then my whole body starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain. Yeah, the back just gave up in the end, and shoulder, and I couldn't close it out."

The match went the distance as Navone prevailed in five sets, 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1. Djokovic said he "just struggled all the way since the fourth game of the match."

ESPN's Simon Cambers noted the four-time U.S. Open champion "appeared to vomit" multiple times over the course of the match. He also called for a medical timeout prior to the fifth set to get his back worked on.

Djokovic tried various ways to settle his stomach and regain fluids to no avail.

This adds to a difficult 2026 season for the 39-year-old. He's on track to go without a title for the first time since 2005. The loss to Navone follows his defeat to Thiago Agustin Tirante in his opening match of the Cincinnati Open earlier this month.

Djokovic hasn't provided a firm timeline on when he'll retire, but one comment he made after the Cincinnati Open could be telling. He said "it looks more likely not" he won't be back in 2027 for what's traditionally the final tune-up before the U.S. Open.

The health issues that impacted him in New York City have been lingering for multiple years as well. For as much as he loves competing, the physical strain may not be worth it much longer for Djokovic.