PHOTOSTennis Star Novak Djokovic Goes Shirtless While Sitting Courtside Ahead of Upset Loss in First Round of U.S. Open: Photos
Novak Djokovic took his shirt off at the U.S. Open.
Aug. 31 2026, Published 4:14 p.m. ET
Novak Djokovic lounged by the court shirtless at the U.S. Open before a dramatic loss.
The tennis star lost in an upset in the first round of the tournament to Mariano Navone during a four-and-a-half-hour match on Sunday, August 30.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion was reportedly enduring "serious issues" that left him vomiting on the court and receiving frequent visits from his trainers.
Novak Djokovic played in the first round of the U.S. Open.
Earlier this month, Djokovic collapsed on the court at the Cincinnati Open, pointing to potentially ongoing issues.
Despite flexing his six-pack abs and seemingly displaying his impressive athletic prowess, the athlete admitted that Sunday's match had been "awful" for him in a post-game interview.
"It was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me," he shared.
Novak Djokovic threw up multiple times on the court.
At one point during the match, a shirtless Djokovic wiped himself down with a towel while staring at the crowd as his trainer inspected him.
The 39-year-old appeared to be in pain and stressed mid-match as he pondered his next move with his shoulder bandaged in athletic tape.
"It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year: vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there," he added.
Novak Djokovic felt his 'whole body' collapse while playing.
Djokovic revealed he had begun to feel his "whole body" start to collapse while flaunting his skills at the net.
"Then my whole body starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain," he reflected. "Yeah, the back just gave up in the end and the shoulder, and I couldn’t close it out."
Other photos featured the tennis player collapsed in defeat.
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Novak Djokovic received treatment from a trainer while shirtless.
Before walking off the court in defeat, Djokovic admitted he "struggled" throughout the entire game against his 25-year-old opponent.
“Just struggled all the way since the fourth game of the match,” he noted. “When it comes to the match itself and overall feeling of how I felt with my body and playing, it was really not enjoyable."
"I pretty much despised every moment that I spent on the court for that,” Djokovic concluded.
Fans worried that Novak Djokovic's loss could mean the end of his career.
Some fans and reporters worried that the shocking loss could be the end of the tennis legend's impressive career.
“I don’t know. I’m trying, man. I’m trying,” he insisted. “I’m just trying to address really what’s going on and how far I can go this way.”
Djokovic posted a photo on Instagram following the disappointing match, expressing his gratitude toward his fans.
Novak Djokovic thanked his fans for their support.
"Forever grateful, New York," he wrote, featuring a picture of himself waving to the adoring crowd.
Fans chimed in, calling the star a "true inspiration" and "the greatest of all time."
"All our prayers for your speedy recovery," one person even noted. "Nothing else matters above your health, sir!!"
