Novak Djokovic loses in opening round of US Open for first time, falling in 5 sets to Mariano Navone

NEW YORK (AP) – Novak Djokovic grinded through physical and internal ailments, created one mistake after another and could not find what it took to beat a feisty, younger opponent who was not intimidated under the lights against tennis' most decorated player.

Key points

• The record holder with 24 major titles threw up at least once and afterwards appeared to be cramping when he grabbed at his left foot.
• The 39-year-old is out of the U.S.
• "I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me."

What happened

For context, the 39-year-old is out of the U.S. Open after a first-round defeat to Mariano Navone on Sunday night, losing 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a five-set marathon that lasted four hours and 36 minutes. It was the longest opening match of a Grand Slam in Djokovic's career and became his earliest exit in one in two decades, dating to the 2006 Australian Open. He had never lost in the first round at the U.S. Open.

"I didn't enjoy myself, " Djokovic remarked. "I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me."

For context, the record holder with 24 major titles threw up at least once and afterwards appeared to be cramping when he grabbed at his left foot. Djokovic swallowed pills brought to him by a doctor and had his lower back massaged during a medical timeout between the fourth and fifth sets, and he grimaced after a number of shots.

The bottom line

Taken together, the developments around novak Djokovic loses in opening round of US Open for first time, point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.