‘I despised every moment’: Novak Djokovic on physical struggles after shock US Open exit
In a heartbreaking turn of events, tennis legend Novak Djokovic suffered his earliest Grand Slam exit in 20 years at the US Open on Sunday, falling in the first round. The 39-year-old Serbian, who had been on a remarkable streak of 78 straight Grand Slam first-round victories since 2006, now faces an uncertain future. Djokovic's struggles this year have been physical, with vomiting on court, late-match cramps, and back pain becoming all too familiar.
Despite reaching the Australian Open final and Wimbledon semi-finals this year, Djokovic admits he is no longer up to the task of competing at the highest level. His desire to finally silence the GOAT debate with a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title seems to have taken its toll, as his body has given up. Federer, Djokovic's former rival and friend, believes the Serbian's obsession with the record may border on the delusional.
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