Novak Djokovic explained the physical issues that hampered him in his 2026 US Open defeat to Mariano Navone, but the Serb still paid tribute to the New York fans for their support in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
In a 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 defeat on Sunday night, Djokovic struggled with vomiting and cramping as well as back and shoulder issues.
"When it comes to the match itself and the overall feeling of how I felt with my body and playing, it was really not enjoyable, and I pretty much despised every moment that I spent on the court for that," he told reporters post-match.
"But from the perspective of the crowd and support, it was incredible, honestly, from the beginning. They were trying to lift me up in important moments, and I’m very sorry that I didn’t perform as well as I should have or could have or wanted, for them.
"But the love and appreciation they gave me in the end really touched my heart."
The 39-year-old credited Navone for his fight in the evening match, as the Argentine battled back from a break down in the fourth set to win. Djokovic admitted that he considered retiring from the match early on, but continued playing after winning the second and third sets.
Despite his fleeting success on the scoreboard, Djokovic never felt right in the New York night. The issues began in the fourth game, he explained.
"I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me," Djokovic said. "It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year—you know, vomiting, throwing up, serious issue there. And then my whole body starts to collapse, basically, cramping and pain.
"Yeah, the back just gave up in the end, and the shoulder, and I couldn’t close it out. I was a break up in the fourth, but just struggled all the way, since the fourth game of the match."
The question of whether this was Djokovic's final US Open match will no doubt be asked after Sunday's painful outing. The more pressing question: Are these repeated physical struggles an issue he can fix?
"I don’t know. I’m trying, man. I’m trying," he said. "I’m just trying to address really what’s going on and how far I can go this way."
