Quick Comment: Novak Djokovic’s body is asking a question his tennis hasn’t yet answered

Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, was eliminated from the US Open in the first round, marking his first such loss in two decades. The match against Mariano Navone, the world No 49, lasted four hours and 35 minutes, making it Djokovic's longest first-round encounter. Djokovic requested a medical timeout prior to the fifth and final set.

During the match, he threw up multiple times and received medical attention after the fourth set. Djokovic's condition deteriorated as the match progressed, with him visibly struggling to cope with the heat and humidity. As Navone took a 4-1 lead in the fifth set, Djokovic wept. Despite his efforts to recover, Djokovic ultimately fell, ending his 20-year winning streak at the Grand Slam's first round.

The crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium applauded Djokovic for his brave fight against Navone, but it was a heartbreaking end to the world's top-ranked player's tournament.