Was Novak Djokovic sick in U.S. Open upset loss to Mariano Navone?

Novak Djokovic fought off tears and vomiting on Sunday night, but he couldn't get out of the first round in a stunning loss to Mariano Navone that lasted over four hours and 30 minutes.

So: What happened? Was he sick? Did he have an illness?

Here's what he said after the match about what it might be, although he wasn't specific about the illness: "It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year: vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there... my whole body starts to collapse, cramping and pain. The back just gave up in the end and the shoulder too.”

Novak Djokovic was seen vomiting during the match

"The stomach continues to churn." - Chris Fowler after Novak Djokovic has vomited at least three times. "Talk about the ultimate competitor. He's hurling, and it's unbelievable that he's still enduring. Suffering." - John McEnroe pic.twitter.com/cObQkBZMcC

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 31, 2026 He reportedly vomited during the match at least three times.

Novak Djokovic broke into tears in the middle of the match

Novak Djokovic breaks down in tears during a five set US Open first-round defeat by Argentina's Mariano Navone. Father time waits for no one…even for the greatest. But what a reception from the crowd at Flushing Meadows. He has earned it. pic.twitter.com/0vZBhbxtQN

— James Melville 🚜 (@JamesMelville) August 31, 2026 The crowd in Flushing tried to rally Djokovic, but he fell short.

Mariano Navone may have upset Novak Djokovic, but the crowd still rose to their feet for the legend. Listen to that standing o 👏 pic.twitter.com/IzsVjXCE7e

— ESPN (@espn) August 31, 2026 Is this Novak Djokovic's final U.S. Open?

We don't know if that's true. But he's 39 years old, so it's possible.

What time did the Djokovic match end?

It was a few minutes before midnight.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Was Novak Djokovic sick in U.S. Open upset loss to Mariano Navone?