Djokovic: Why I Crashed Out Of US Open
Retold by Oddsrama · 31 August 2026
Novak Djokovic's shocking first-round exit at the US Open has left the tennis world stunned, and the Serbian legend has now revealed the brutal physical toll that derailed his campaign. In a straight-sets loss to Argentina's Mariano Navone, the 39-year-old was simply overwhelmed by a combination of severe vomiting, muscle cramps, and back-shoulder pain that progressively worsened across a grueling four-and-a-half-hour encounter. Djokovic described the experience as an "awful feeling," noting that his body essentially shut down as the match wore on, leaving him unable to muster the movement needed to close out the tie.
What makes this defeat particularly damaging is that it snapped a remarkable streak—Djokovic had won 78 consecutive Grand Slam first-round matches dating back to 2006. For betting purposes, this underperformance has serious implications: at world number 48, the tennis establishment will need to reassess the Serbian's odds in major tournaments going forward. His pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title now looks considerably less likely, with age and recurring health concerns working against him.
Djokovic disclosed that the vomiting and nausea have plagued him throughout the entire season, a troubling pattern that compounds his difficulties. He also carries an underlying health condition that becomes severely aggravated in high heat and humidity—conditions that defined the US Open environment. While he did manage to win a set during the match and refused to abandon his fight completely, his body ultimately betrayed him when it mattered most. As the 2024 season progresses, punters should factor in these ongoing physical struggles when considering Djokovic's prospects in future events.
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