Former Players Urge Djokovic to Continue After US Open Exit

Novak Djokovic's shocking first-round exit at the 2026 US Open has sparked a debate about the future of the 39-year-old tennis legend, with several former players and coaches urging him to continue his career despite the defeat. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was beaten in five sets by Argentina's Mariano Navone on August 26, a result that marked his earliest Grand Slam exit in two decades. Djokovic struggled physically during the match, battling the New York heat and humidity and at one point vomiting on court. He later described the experience to reporters, saying, "My whole body starts to collapse." The loss extended a difficult stretch for the Serbian, who also fell in the third round at Roland Garros and the semifinals at Wimbledon earlier in the year. He entered the US Open seeking a record 25th Grand Slam title. In the aftermath, questions about retirement surfaced, but a chorus of former players has pushed back against that narrative. Andy Roddick and Greg Rusedski were among those who defended Djokovic's decision to keep playing.