Mats Wilander has shared his sympathy for Novak Djokovic following his surprise exit from the US Open.
Djokovic fell to Mariano Navone in the first round of the US Open, losing 7-6(7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The Serbian struggled physically throughout the four-hour, 36-minute clash, vomiting en route to his first-ever opening round loss in New York.
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Djokovic later admitted he “pretty much despised every moment” he spent on the court, adding that “it was obvious that it was an awful feeling” for him.
His shock exit has now been analyzed by former ATP number one Mats Wilander, who is more sad for the legendary figure than anything else.
Mats Wilander ‘very sad’ after Novak Djokovic exits the US Open
As quoted by TNT Sports, Wilander said: “It was very sad. I’m not exactly sure what happened to him, how bad he was feeling before, because he did throw up on the court.
“Was it because of the length of the match or was it something that he had fought with before? To see him in tears because he can’t play at 100% level, that’s very sad.
“But it just tells the whole story: he’s not retiring, he’s going to come back another year and he’s going to keep pushing and keep trying, because he feels like he can still be a threat.
“Very strong words. It’s interesting that he said that it keeps happening. Is it nerves? Is it stress?
“What is it that makes him feel awful on the court? You would think that he should be so relaxed after everything that he’s won.
“He doesn’t need to win another one, he should just be enjoying it, and that’s the way it seems when you look at him, but clearly there’s more to the story than that.”
READ MORE: Andy Roddick reacts to how Novak Djokovic treated Mariano Navone after losing to him in the first round of the US Open
What is next for Novak Djokovic after his US Open exit?
It remains to be seen what the future holds for the Serbian, but he should be eager to bounce back as soon as possible.
Djokovic is set to take on the China Open later this month, while he has already confirmed his ambition to play at every Grand Slam event next season.
That should be welcome news for his adoring fans, who undoubtedly aren’t ready for the ATP icon to hang up his racket just yet.
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However, time is clearly catching up with the 39-year-old, who also endured physical distress during his recent outing at the Cincinnati Open.
Still seeking his maiden ATP title of 2026, the current world number five now has a 14-7 win-loss record this season.
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