Djokovic talks about defeat at US Open

Novak Djokovic burst into tears when experiencing defeat in the first round of a major tournament for the first time since 2006, when he stopped at the US Open after a 5-set match lasting nearly 5 hours.

The 39-year-old player looked exhausted physically, vomiting and often bending over in pain, but still pulled Argentine player Mariano Navone into the decisive set.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion then admitted that the potential health problem he first revealed 2 weeks ago was "serious", although he was still determined to resolve this trouble completely.

However, he could not stop the defeat 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 and was eliminated in the opening round of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time since Paul Goldstein defeated him at the Australian Open in 2006.

I think it's clear that I experienced a bad feeling on the court," Djokovic shared.

That's what I've had to endure, unfortunately, in most matches this year. You know, vomiting, reflux, there's a serious problem.

Then my whole body started to collapse, basically cramps and pain. Yes, the back was finally unbearable along with the shoulder, and I couldn't finish the match.

Can this problem be cured? I don't know. I'm trying, buddy. I'm trying. Let's wait and see.

Djokovic, who had to hold back tears at one point in set 5, still smiled politely when congratulating Navone - the world No. 49 player - on the biggest victory in his career.

I took a break in set 4, but struggled from the fourth game of the match," he added.

I don't want to belittle his victory. Congratulations to him. He is a nice guy, a warrior. But, you know, I couldn't be myself.

When talking about the match itself and the overall feeling about my body as well as my playing style, it's really not pleasant at all. I almost hate every moment I experience on the field.

Djokovic's cheeks were red and his hair was soaked in sweat right from the middle of the first set - a set where he once led 3-0 but lost in a tie-break.

After successfully moving to close the canopy and turn on the air conditioner, Djokovic responded at the end of set 2 - after vomiting right next to the towel box - with an important break to increase the score to 6-5.

He vomited again in the middle of set 3 but still took advantage of the only opportunity to break his service game, and continued to vomit at the beginning of set 4 before getting another break to lead 2-1.

However, the 39-year-old player showed signs of cramps and seemed unable to move when Navone counter-attacked, before only winning 1 game in a dramatic defeat that lasted 4 hours and 36 minutes.