Novak Djokovic opens up about thinking of retirement after emotional first-round loss at US Open
Tennis star Novak Djokovic got emotional after his surprising first-round loss at the US Open against Mariano Navone, making some fans wonder if he might retire.
At 39, Djokovic was defeated 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 by Navone from Argentina at Flushing Meadows. This was his earliest US Open exit ever and his first time losing in the first round of a Grand Slam since 2006.
Djokovic looked tired and struggled physically throughout the match. He was seen wiping away tears during the final set when Navone was leading 3-1. Djokovic stood at the back of the court, hands on hips and head down, before losing the last three games.
After the match, Djokovic told reporters he’s been dealing with a health issue that has made it hard for him to play well. “It was tough out there,” he said. “I’ve been dealing with vomiting and pain in my body during matches this year. My back and shoulder just gave out in the end.”
Before this, Djokovic had never lost in the first or second rounds at the US Open. The last time he lost early in a Grand Slam was back in 2006 at the Australian Open.
He admitted, “I thought about quitting, but when I started winning some sets, I wanted to keep going and finish the match.”
Djokovic’s career is amazing—he’s won 24 Grand Slam singles titles, including four US Opens. He thanked the fans for their support during the tough match but said, “I didn’t enjoy the match. Big congrats to Mariano; he’s a great player and fighter.”
Navone, who’s just 25 and ranked 49th in the world, had reached the second round two years ago. He’ll now face either Matteo Berrettini or Stan Wawrinka in the next round.