The 24-time Grand Slam champion came through his US Open clash against American teenager Learner Tien, but it was far from comfortable.

08:32, 25 Aug 2025Updated 08:36, 25 Aug 2025

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts against Learner Tien of the United States(Image: Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic has sparked both concern and disgust at the US Open after TV cameras showed a gruesome close-up of a large blister on his foot during his opening match.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion came through in straight sets against American teenager Learner Tien, but it was far from comfortable.

Djokovic stormed through the opening set 6-1, appearing in full control against his 18-year-old opponent.

But in the second set, the Serb suddenly looked laboured, requiring a medical timeout as he struggled to move freely around the court.

A physio was called onto court to examine his foot, with cameras zooming in on a nasty blister on his big toe. The images were then broadcast in close-up — to the horror of many watching at home.

Social media quickly lit up with reaction, with some viewers left queasy at the sight. One fan wrote: “That Djokovic foot did not look pretty.”

Another added: “ESPN, we did NOT need to see the close-up of that blister… I almost vomited.”

Others questioned whether the injury could derail Djokovic’s hopes in New York, describing the blister as “a one square inch flap of skin just hanging there.”

Warning: Graphic content

Novak Djokovic of Serbia gets a medical timeout during his first round against Learner Tien(Image: Getty Images)Novak Djokovic’s blisters at the US Open

Despite the graphic scenes, the world No. 2 had his toe patched up and returned to court, eventually sealing a 6-1, 7-6, 6-2 victory.

Afterwards, Djokovic admitted he was troubled less by the blister itself and more by how poorly he felt during long rallies.

“I started great, just over 20 minutes, first set, I felt really good,” he explained.

“Then some long games to start the second set, and I was surprised how bad I was feeling physically.”

The 38-year-old revealed he struggled to recover after extended exchanges and admitted his fitness was now a “slight concern”.

“I don’t have any injury, but I struggled to stay in long exchanges and recover after points,” he said.

“Good thing, two days off now, but it’s slightly a concern.”

Djokovic is playing his first singles match since losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon semi-final last month. Some fans suggested his lack of match practice may have contributed to the foot problem.

With an extra day to rest before his second-round tie, the Serb will hope the blister does not flare up again. But with the US Open a gruelling two-week test, his physical condition will now be under close scrutiny.