Novak Djokovic hit the wall as the 24-time Grand Slam winner vomited at the back of the court and was treated by the trainer during a disheartening first round loss which ended early Monday morning on opening day of the US Open.

The 39-year-old Serb fell ill – he said things have been this way for weeks – as he took a loss to Mariano Navone 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.

In addition to his stomach problems, the ailing Serb was seen by the trainer, the doctor and used an inhaler as he complained of cramping and general poor health during a stress test lasting nearly four and three-quarter hours.

The defeat came a fortnight after Djokovic was knocked out in his opening match in Cincinnati after reaching a Wimbledon semi-final.

“It was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me. It’s something I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year,” Djokovic said early Monday.

“Vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there. Then my whole body starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain. 

“The back just gave up in the end and shoulder, and I couldn’t close it out.

He added: “I was up a break up in the fourth, but just struggled all the way since the fourth game of the match. Congrats to him. He’s a nice guy, a fighter.

But, you know, I didn’t enjoy myself.”

The disappointing end was Djokovic’s earliest Grand Slam exit in two decades and cut off a run of 78 Grand Slam first-round victories going back to a loss to Paul Goldstein at the 2006 Australian Open.

“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,” Djokovic said.

“I’m very sorry that I, you know, didn’t perform as well as I should have or could have… but the love and appreciation they gave me in the end really touched my heart.”

Seventh seed and 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev came good after losing here a year ago in the first round, posting a  win over Hugo Gaston 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 for his 33rd victory of the season.

Montreal quarter-finalist Daniel Merida defeated Marton Fucsovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 to earn the fist straight-set men’s win of the fortnight.

Jiri Lehecka put out two-time semi-finalist Pablo Carreño Busta 6-1, 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-2. The win served as revenge after the veteran Spaniard beat the Czech in the Roland Garros first round.

No. 101 Dino Prizmic spent nearly four hours before completing a win over Alexander Shevchenko to advance in five sets.

The 2-6, 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 7-5 success was hard-fought, with Prizmic leading 5-2 and serving for it in the fourth set but needing to go all the way to claim his first victory here after saving two match points.

The Croat has threatened top 10 names in the past, beating Novak Djokovic in Rome and Ben Shelton in Madrid.

Cincinnati quarter-finalist Tommy Paul recovered after losing the opening set, storming back for a 6-7 (3), 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 win over Hong Kong qualifier Coleman Wong.

Day 1 British results were mixed, with Cam Norrie going down in an upset loss to Frenchman Luca van Assche 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 while debutant Toby Samuel’s earned the biggest win of his career as he stunned Czech Tomas Machac 6-2, 6-3, 6-2.

Following his ITIA drugs ban Nick Kyrgios posted on social media “I made a huge mistake and I take full responsibility for it”

“I‘m sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors and everyone close to me”

“Above all I’m sorry to the kids who follow me. I know the example this sets and I’m deeply disappointed in myself”

“I’m not going to make excuses, but I do want to give some context about where I’ve been.

The last couple of years  of injuries have taken a huge toll on me, both physically and mentally .

My body  hasn’t been able to do what my mind expects it to do, and coming to terms with being near the end of my career has been harder than I ever imagined”

“I’ve always said I didn’t choose tennis – tennis chose me. But letting go  of something that has been my whole life is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to face”

“At times I’ve felt  helpless and alone. None of that excuses what I did”

However the good news is that this has given me a wake up call.

For the next  28 daysI’ll be stepping away from social media and public life while I focus on getting myself right.

“I’d ask that people respect my privacy during that time and most importantly the privacy of my family”

“I’m sorry. I’ll do the work and come back better”

Kyrgios was tested during the ATP 250 event in Mallorca on 22 June, one of only three ATP events Kyrigos plaved in 2026, losing 3-6, 4-6  in the first round to fellow Aussie Adam Walton.

The ITIA confirmed that his suspension commenced on 4 August, and he is entitled to, but hasn’t as yet, submitted an appeal.

The substance, benzoylecgonine, a known metabolite of cocaine, is on the WADA prohibited list and is banned in competition under the  Tennis Anti-doping Programme.

“If taken out of competition reduced sanctions apply for substance abuse.

Because of the nature of the substance, a provisional suspension is mandatory.

Kyrgios reached the final of Wimbledon 2022, his most successful season, losing to Novak Djokovic the top seed  4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-7  before reaching the quarter final in that year’s US Open.

Kyrgios  also won his maiden Grand Slam doubles with compatriot Thanasi Kokkianakis at the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Unfortunately he had to miss his home Grand Slam in Melbourne 2023 due to serious  knee injury, only returning in June that year in the ATP Tour event in Stuttgart.

He then tore his wrist ligaments  which required surgery  keeping him out of action for a further 18 months.

During the Mallorca event, where he was tested by WADA he suffered severe pain in his wrist  telling fellow pro Alexander Bublik that he had suffered pain in the same wrist during the Australian Open, before it “just collapsed completely “ after he hit a forehand.

Kyrgios has only played occasionally since, suffering  more wrist and shoulder issues.

Iga Swiatek claimed a WTA trophy for the first time in nearly a year as the former world No. 1 lifted the title at the Toronto Masters on Thursday 6-2, 6-3 over Elena Rybakina.

With her first title since last September in Asia, the six-time Grand Slam winner returned to form.

She also completed a matched set of North American tournaments, with trophy success at Indian Wells (2022, 2024), Miami (2022), US Open (2022), Cincinnati (2025) and now Canada.

She set the record as the youngest to complete the feat.

“I want to dedicate this title to everyone who is dealing with judgment or hate,” Swiatek said.

“Keep pushing, keep growing, keep focusing on yourself and always remember what is ahead and might be possible.” 

Since failing to win a title this season, the introverted Pole has come under increasing career pressure, dealing with the stress through her own travelling team psychologist.

But victory in Canada will go a long way to silencing the doubters.

“I’m really happy about this tournament. It means so so much to me,” Swiatek said. “These past months were not easy. 

“I’m really happy I kept focusing on growing, changing my game a little bit, improving… despite all the opinions many people have about me every day on the internet.”

She added: “It’s not easy to deal with all of that. I’m happy the reality is different. 

“The reality is that I have people that know me so well and people that support me. They’re here to give their best work. Just keep pushing. you know.”  

Swiatek will move up from eighth to sixth in the world as a result of her victory while Rybakina remains No. 2 behind Aryna Sabalenka.