Novak Djokovic‘s remarkable Grand Slam streak is over – and in a way the 39-year-old had never experienced before.
The Serbian suffered his first-ever defeat in the opening round of a Grand Slam since 2006, losing 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 to Argentina’s Mariano Navone at the US Open.
It ended a run of 77 consecutive first-round victories at Grand Slam tournaments, but the manner of the defeat was perhaps more concerning than the statistic.
Djokovic battled severe physical problems throughout the four-hour, 36-minute encounter, vomiting on court before suffering cramps and eventually struggling to move freely. After falling behind in the fourth set, his body appeared to have nothing left.
“An awful feeling on the court for me,” Djokovic admitted afterwards. “Vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there. And then my whole body starts to collapse. Cramping, pain.”
The 39-year-old revealed that the problem has affected him throughout the season and admitted he does not know whether it can be fixed.
“I’m trying, man, I’m trying. Let’s see.”
