Novak Djokovic: Sick, Kids, Illness, Press Conference, Injury and Diet

Novak Djokovic’s health has become one of the biggest talking points in tennis after the Serbian star suffered a dramatic first-round defeat at the 2026 US Open. The 39-year-old struggled physically against Mariano Navone, dealing with vomiting, cramping, back pain and shoulder problems during a marathon five-set match.

Djokovic eventually lost 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 after four hours and 36 minutes. It was his first opening-round Grand Slam defeat since 2006.

The latest setback has renewed questions about Djokovic’s illness, injury concerns, diet, family and future in professional tennis.

Is Novak Djokovic sick?

Yes, Djokovic was visibly unwell during his US Open first-round match against Navone.

After the defeat, Djokovic explained that he had been experiencing similar physical problems throughout the season. He said vomiting and a feeling of his body collapsing were followed by cramping and pain.

The ATP reported that Djokovic described the experience as an “awful feeling” and said he had been carrying the issue into almost every match this year.

However, it is important not to confuse symptoms with a confirmed medical diagnosis. Djokovic has not publicly identified a specific illness or named a definitive medical condition responsible for the recurring episodes.

That distinction matters because speculation about his health has spread rapidly following his recent matches.

What happened to Novak Djokovic at the US Open?

Djokovic entered the US Open hoping to challenge for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title.

Instead, his campaign ended in the opening round against Navone.

The Serbian initially looked capable of overcoming his physical problems. He lost the first set but recovered to take the next two and moved into a strong position in the fourth set.

His condition then deteriorated.

Djokovic experienced vomiting, cramping and pain, while his back and shoulder also became significant problems. His movement and serving effectiveness declined as the match continued.

Navone took advantage and completed one of the biggest victories of his career.

The result was particularly significant because Djokovic had not lost in the first round of a Grand Slam since 2006.

Novak Djokovic illness: What is the health problem?

The exact cause remains unclear.

Djokovic has acknowledged that he has been dealing with recurring physical problems for much of 2026. Similar concerns emerged at the Cincinnati Open, where he struggled badly in hot and humid conditions and required medical attention.

Reports have described a chronic issue that Djokovic says has affected him for years, particularly in difficult conditions. But he has not publicly provided enough medical detail to establish a specific diagnosis.

Therefore, claims that Djokovic has a particular disease should be treated carefully unless they come directly from him or his medical team.

Has Djokovic been sick before?

Yes.

Health problems have been part of Djokovic’s career story for years. In 2010 and 2011, he made major changes to his diet after working with nutrition and health professionals. He subsequently adopted a gluten-free diet in 2011, according to his ATP biography.

In 2026, however, his recent symptoms appear to be a different and more immediate concern because they have occurred during competitive matches.

Novak Djokovic press conference after US Open loss

Djokovic’s post-match comments were especially revealing.

Rather than simply blaming the defeat on his age or the conditions, he acknowledged that his physical condition had become a serious obstacle.

He explained that vomiting was followed by cramping and pain throughout his body. He also said his back eventually gave up and his shoulder became problematic.

The comments were significant because Djokovic has built much of his career around physical resilience.

For much of his career, he has been able to recover from difficult positions and survive lengthy matches. The latest US Open defeat showed how difficult that becomes when his body does not cooperate.

Is Novak Djokovic injured?

Djokovic was dealing with several physical problems during the US Open match, including:

• Back pain
• Shoulder pain
• Muscle cramps
• Vomiting
• Severe physical fatigue
• Difficulty maintaining his usual level of movement

At this stage, these symptoms should not automatically be described as a newly diagnosed injury.

The ATP’s post-match report specifically noted Djokovic’s comments about his back and shoulder, while Reuters also reported that he was affected by cramping and physical problems during the match.

There has been no indication from the available reports that Djokovic has announced a specific new structural injury requiring surgery.

Djokovic’s 2026 health concerns

The US Open episode did not come completely out of nowhere.

Djokovic experienced physical difficulties at the Cincinnati Open shortly before arriving in New York. He struggled in the heat and humidity and required a medical timeout during his loss.

Before the US Open, Djokovic said the extra time following his Cincinnati defeat had helped him prepare physically and mentally.

He also spoke about the importance of longevity and health as he continues his career at 39.

That makes the latest setback particularly important.

Who are Novak Djokovic’s kids?

Djokovic has two children, son Stefan and daughter Tara, with his wife, Jelena Djokovic.

Stefan was born in October 2014, while Tara was born in September 2017. They occasionally appear at major tournaments supporting their father, although Novak and Jelena have generally tried to protect their children’s privacy.

As of August 2026, Stefan is 11 and Tara is 8.

Djokovic has repeatedly spoken about the importance of fatherhood and the influence his children have had on his perspective.

In a recent interview, he said that becoming a father changed his approach to life and credited his children with teaching him lessons about enjoying the moment and forgiveness.

Does Novak Djokovic’s son play tennis?

Stefan has shown an interest in tennis.

He has occasionally been seen around the sport with his father, including hitting on court. Djokovic has previously spoken about his son’s enjoyment of tennis and life around the professional Tour.

However, there is no reason to assume that Stefan is destined to become a professional tennis player.

Djokovic has also emphasized the importance of allowing his children to develop their own identities rather than simply following his career path.

What does Novak Djokovic eat?

Djokovic is famous for his highly disciplined approach to nutrition.

His ATP biography states that he adopted a gluten-free diet in 2011.

He has also spoken extensively about eating foods that he believes work well for his body.

In a WIRED interview, Djokovic discussed breakfasts involving green juices, smoothies, fruit, oatmeal and chia pudding. He also explained that he has traditionally used dates during matches because he finds them useful for maintaining energy.

His approach is generally focused on:

• Gluten-free foods
• Fruits and vegetables
• Smoothies and juices
• Oatmeal
• Seeds
• Plant-based foods
• Carefully selected carbohydrates
• Hydration
• Recovery nutrition

Djokovic has also previously discussed reducing or eliminating foods such as dairy and refined sugar as part of his personal nutritional approach.

His diet should not be viewed as a universal medical prescription. Professional athletes work with individual nutritional strategies based on their training, health and performance requirements.

Why did Djokovic change his diet?

Nutrition became an important part of Djokovic’s career after he struggled physically during the early part of his professional journey.

He has credited dietary changes with helping him feel better and perform more consistently.

The ATP records his adoption of a gluten-free diet in 2011.

Djokovic later developed a broader philosophy around nutrition, recovery, sleep, mental preparation and physical conditioning.

That comprehensive approach became one of the foundations of his extraordinary longevity.

Does Djokovic’s diet explain his current illness?

There is no evidence that Djokovic’s current health problems are caused by his diet.

His dietary habits have been part of his performance routine for many years. The symptoms seen in 2026 have occurred despite his longstanding attention to nutrition and fitness.

Djokovic himself has suggested that he is dealing with a recurring physical problem, but the precise cause has not been publicly established.

Therefore, it would be misleading to claim that his gluten-free diet has caused, cured or directly explains his current illness.

Could Djokovic retire?

The latest health concerns have naturally raised retirement questions.

Djokovic has already acknowledged that his career is entering a different phase. At 39, the physical demands of Grand Slam tennis are becoming increasingly difficult, especially when matches extend beyond four hours.

Still, there is no confirmed announcement that he is retiring immediately.

Before the US Open, Djokovic said he hoped to continue playing and has previously indicated that the 2028 Olympics is an ambition. He has also discussed how family considerations will increasingly influence his decisions.

His first-round US Open defeat may intensify speculation, but speculation should not be presented as a retirement decision.

Novak Djokovic’s health and future

The biggest question surrounding Djokovic now is not whether he remains capable of producing brilliant tennis. His recent Grand Slam performances have repeatedly shown that he can still compete with the world’s best.

The bigger question is whether his body can consistently withstand the demands of elite five-set tennis.

His 2026 season has produced several warning signs, including problems in hot conditions, recurring physical symptoms and now a dramatic US Open defeat.

At the same time, Djokovic remains one of the most accomplished players in tennis history.

His experience, preparation and mental strength continue to give him opportunities that few players his age would have.

Novak Djokovic illness FAQs

What illness does Novak Djokovic have?

Djokovic has described recurring health problems during 2026, including vomiting, cramping and physical weakness, but he has not publicly confirmed a specific diagnosis.

Why was Novak Djokovic sick at the US Open?

During his match against Mariano Navone, Djokovic experienced vomiting, cramping, back pain and shoulder problems. He said similar physical issues had affected him throughout the season.

Is Novak Djokovic injured?

He experienced back and shoulder pain during the US Open match, along with cramping and severe physical fatigue. A specific new injury diagnosis has not been publicly confirmed.

How many kids does Novak Djokovic have?

Djokovic has two children with Jelena: son Stefan and daughter Tara.

How old are Djokovic’s children?

Stefan is 11 and Tara is 8 as of August 2026. Stefan was born in October 2014 and Tara in September 2017.

Is Novak Djokovic gluten-free?

Yes. Djokovic adopted a gluten-free diet in 2011, according to his ATP biography.

What does Djokovic eat during matches?

He has previously said that he eats dates during matches because he finds them useful for maintaining energy.

Will Novak Djokovic retire?

There is no confirmed immediate retirement announcement. Djokovic has discussed his future and the possibility of eventually stepping away from the highest level, but he continues to compete.

Conclusion

Novak Djokovic’s illness and fitness have become major talking points after his shocking 2026 US Open first-round defeat. The Serbian suffered vomiting, cramps, back pain and shoulder problems against Mariano Navone and acknowledged that similar physical difficulties have affected him throughout the year.

While Djokovic has not publicly revealed a definitive diagnosis, his recent struggles show the physical challenge of competing at the highest level at 39.

Away from tennis, Djokovic remains a devoted father to Stefan and Tara, while his carefully controlled gluten-free diet continues to be a major part of his performance philosophy.

For now, the biggest unanswered question is whether Djokovic can regain full physical health and continue competing for Grand Slam titles—or whether his latest health struggles mark the beginning of the final chapter of one of tennis’ greatest careers.