How much longer can Novak Djokovic go on like this?
The 24-time Grand Slam champ bowed out of the U.S. Open late Sunday night after dealing with a “serious issue” that had him vomiting on the court and needing frequent visits from trainers.
The exact ailment remains a mystery but it is not the first time it has cropped up with Djokovic dealing with a similar issue during a loss at the Cincinnati Open earlier this month where he collapsed on the court.
Djokovic fell on Sunday night in a 4-hour, 36 minute marathon defeat against Argentine Mariano Navone, 7-6, 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
“It was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me,” Djokovic said after the defeat.
“It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year: vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there. Then my whole body starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain. Yeah, the back just gave up in the end and shoulder, and I couldn’t close it out.”
The 39-year-old threw up at least once and later appeared to be cramping when he grabbed at his left foot. Djokovic swallowed pills brought to him by a doctor and had his lower back massaged during a medical timeout between the fourth and fifth sets, and he grimaced after several shots.
“Just struggled all the way since the fourth game of the match,” Djokovic said. “When it comes to match itself and overall feeling of how I felt with body and playing, it was really not enjoyable. I pretty much despised every moment that I spent on the court for that.”
Djokovic has outlasted his biggest rivals in Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. The Serbian is still considered one of the biggest obstacles for Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as that duo has taken over the sport on the men’s side.
They have won 10 of the past 11 Grand Slams after Djokovic took three of the four majors in 2023.
But will this health issue finally be what ends his Hall of Fame career or is it something that will ultimately improve?
“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.”
— With AP
