Novak Djokovic crashes out of US Open first-round and breaks down in tears

Novak Djokovic was reduced to tears during a shock US Open first-round defeat on Sunday at Flushing Meadows.

The 39-year-old fourth seed was beaten by Argentina’s Mariano Navone in five sets 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 as he struggled physically in a humid New York.

Djokovic also vomited in a towel bin – such was his struggles – as the emotion of it all told in the deciding set.

The defeat will raise questions about how long is left in the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s storied career.

It was the first time the Serb had been beaten in the opening round at Flushing Meadows and the first time he had lost in the opening round of a Grand Slam tournament since 2006.

‘I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me,’ an emotional Djokovic said.

‘I don’t want to take too much out of Mariano’s win. Congrats to him, he’s a nice guy and a fighter – but I didn’t enjoy myself.’

The defeat ended Djokovic’s latest bid for a standalone record 25th Grand Slam singles title, which would move him clear of Australia’s Margaret Court.