Follow us on Google Discover Novak Djokovic has exited the US Open in the first round after his surprising five-set defeat to Mariano Navone.
Djokovic won the second and third sets after losing the first in a tiebreak, but he capitulated at the end of the match.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion was dealing with an illness that made him cramp and vomit on the side of the court.
It was the first time that Djokovic had lost a first-round match at a Grand Slam since the Australian Open 20 years ago.
Tennis fans were not only shocked by the Serbian’s performance but also concerned that he is finished at the highest level.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images‘Really sad’ tennis fans react to Novak Djokovic’s US Open defeat
Novak Djokovic is the last man standing of the ‘Big Three’ after the retirements of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal.
However, many tennis fans now believe that Djokovic will soon join them after his crushing defeat at the US Open.
The 39-year-old is widely considered the greatest male tennis player ever, but he is clearly not at the level he once was.
Djokovic was even brought to tears during his first-round match against Navone, suggesting that he had accepted his fate.
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A tennis fan reacted: “This is tough to watch. Djokovic is a colossus. An all-time great athlete who has created an unmatched legacy.
“These tears are probably the manifestation of the grim reality he will have to accept. Reminder for all of us fans: behind the veneer is a vulnerable human.”
Another replied: “I feel like I just watched Novak Djokovic steadily come to terms with the end of his career over the course of one singular match. Brutal.”
“Novak Djokovic is trying not to start crying in the middle of the match. It’s heartbreaking to see him like this,” a third said.
A heartfelt message read: “I love Novak Djokovic more than I love certain family members, but… It’s time. It’s impossible to defeat Father Time at 39 in such a physically and mentally taxing sport.
“It sucks. It really, really sucks that this time has come, but it truly is time. Djokovic just can’t outlast young players anymore. Sad. Really, really sad to see.”
Another added: “Is this how it ends for Novak Djokovic?” hinting that this could be Djokovic’s last Grand Slam match.
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