Novak Djokovic’s US Open ended in tears before it really began as he was eliminated in the first round in an Arthur Ashe Stadium shocker.
Djokovic was beaten 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 by Mariano Navone in a five-set epic lasting 4 hours and 36 minutes. It was his earliest grand slam first-round exit in 20 years, and a match which most believe shows the end is here.
The Serbian superstar reached the semifinals in all four grand slams last year, then the final of the Australian Open earlier this year.
But after being eliminated in the third round at the French Open then the first round of the US Open, it seems his days competing at the very top table are over.
Just this month, a new Amazon Prime Video documentary was released giving unprecedented access into his career.
In ‘Novak Djokovic: The Wolf In Winter’, American icon and his former coach, Andre Agassi, posed a stark warning that is already ringing true after Djokovic’s painful exit in New York.
Novak Djokovic was emotional on court as he was beaten in the US Open first round
Djokovic waved goodbye to Arthur Ashe Stadium after being beaten in a shocking upset
Djokovic battled physical pain throughout the grueling match that last over four hours
‘I don’t know when the end will come for Novak,’ Agassi said. ‘But the one thing I can say is the end, when it does come, always comes fast.’
Djokovic saw his body give up on him as he vomited several times during the match. At one point, when he went 3-1 down in the deciding set, the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd rallied behind him.
He broke down in tears while the match was still being played, and later gave insight into that emotional release to ATP Tour after the match, as he now faces the heartbreaking truth he may not have much more left to give at the highest level.
‘They were super nice. So grateful to experience this,’ Djokovic said. ‘When it comes to [the] 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. But from the perspective of the crowd and support, it was incredible, honestly from the beginning.
‘They were trying to lift me up in important moments, and I’m very sorry that I didn’t perform as well as I should have or could have or wanted for them.
‘But the love and appreciation they gave me in the end was really touched my heart.’
Djokovic painted a picture of his physical pain and struggle during the grueling match.
Mariano Navone claimed the biggest win of his carere so far against the Serbian superstar
Andre Agassi recently issued a stark warning to Djokovic about how quick the end arrives
‘I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me,’ he explained.
‘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.’
While the US Open might have seen the end of Djokovic being a contender, Agassi believes the Serbian, who has won 24 Grand Slams, stands alone within the sport.
‘I don’t feel like he’s been appreciated nearly as much as he’s worthy of for what he’s brought to the game of tennis,’ Agassi said. ‘Nobody can touch what he’s accomplished. It is as clear as it gets: he’s the best of all time.’
