\u201cI think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me. It's something that I've been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year. Vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there. Then my whole body starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain,\u201d Djokovic said after the loss, as quoted by ATP.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYeah, the back just gave up in the end and shoulder, and I couldn't close it out,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The defeat marked a remarkable break in Djokovic's Grand Slam record. The 39-year-old had not lost in the opening round of a major since the 2006 Australian Open, with his only other first-round defeat at a Grand Slam coming at the 2005 Australian Open.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But despite the physical difficulties, Djokovic had put himself in a strong position to avoid the upset. He led by two sets to one and was a break ahead in the fourth set before his struggles took an increasing toll.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI was a break up in the fourth, but just struggled all the way since the fourth game of the match,\u201d Djokovic said. \u201cAgain, I don't want to take too much out of his win. Congrats to him. He's a nice guy, a fighter. But I didn't enjoy myself.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Serbian admitted that the severity of his condition had even made him consider retiring from the contest. However, moments of recovery and his refusal to give up persuaded him to continue.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI have, I have. I have, but then I won a set and then (the) third one. Then I was, like, \u2018Okay, maybe there is a chance\u2019. Yeah, I didn't want to give up in fourth or fifth, so I wanted to finish the match,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For Djokovic, who has built one of the most extraordinary records in Grand Slam history, the latest milestone was of little comfort in the immediate aftermath of the defeat.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a good record, another one. But, yeah, I'm not really thinking about it. Of course, I've been very proud of all the achievements in the past, but now is now. Now (it) is fresh off the court and (I am) still trying to manage my body,\u201d the Serbian said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The emotional weight of the occasion was also evident late in the match. Trailing 1-3 in the deciding set, Djokovic received a strong response from the New York crowd, whose attempts to encourage him visibly moved the Serbian.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a good record, another one. But, yeah, I'm not really thinking about it. Of course, I've been very proud of all the achievements in the past, but now is now. Now (it) is fresh off the court and (I am) still trying to manage my body,\u201d the Serbian said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
They were trying to lift me in important moments, and I'm very sorry that I didn't perform as well as I should have or could have or wanted for them. But the love and appreciation they gave me in the end really touched my heart,\u201d the four-time US Open champion said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n