Djokovic Reveals Health Issue Behind China Open Struggles
Serb says condition is not a fitness problem but a specific medical issue he prefers not to disclose.
KEY POINTS
- Djokovic beat Bu Yunchaokete 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2 to reach China Open semi-finals
- He needed a medical timeout for abdominal discomfort during the match
- Djokovic says a diagnosed health issue, not stamina, is behind his 2026 struggles
- He refuses to disclose the specific condition to avoid appearing to make excuses
- Health problems caused early losses in Cincinnati and the US Open this year
Novak Djokovic overcame Bu Yunchaokete 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2 to reach the China Open semi-finals despite requiring a medical timeout for abdominal discomfort. After the match, the 24-time major champion clarified that his recurring physical struggles this season stem from a diagnosed health condition, not a lack of stamina.
Djokovic stated he does not want to reveal the exact nature of the issue to avoid sounding like he is making excuses. He said his team is working to manage the problem, which has turned much of the 2026 season into a constant physical test.
“It's not stamina. It's something else. More related to health.”
The Serb distinguished his current situation from fitness, citing his ability to win a five-hour Wimbledon quarter-final against Felix Auger-Aliassime as proof of his endurance. He noted that the health issue caused visible exhaustion and vomiting in Cincinnati and contributed to a first-round exit at the US Open.
6 more sources below
COMMENTS (0)
No comments yet. Be the first.
RELATED STORIES
Whittaker survives late scare to beat Wallace on points in Birmingham
British light-heavyweight Ben Whittaker outboxed Conor Wallace for most of 12 rounds but was rocked in the 10th and forced to hold on in the 12th before winning a unanimous decision.
Marquez beats Martin to win Japanese GP, closes title gap to two points
Reigning champion passes polesitter at halfway mark to claim sixth victory of 2026 and cut Martin's championship lead to a minimum.
Hope's 162* powers West Indies to record 352 chase vs India
West Indies captain Shai Hope scores unbeaten 162 to secure highest successful ODI chase in team history and first win over India since 2023.
- Bear attacks surge in Russian Siberia with 16 deaths in September
- Barranquilla FC knocks out Millonarios on penalties in Copa BetPlay
- Verstappen wins chaotic Malaysian GP at Sepang
- Teen driver charged after car hits Knights fans in Newcastle
- USA routs Mexico 3-0 as Rangel errors gift goals to Hall, Sullivan, Tillman
This page was compiled with AI assistance from the outlets named above and passed an automated language check before publication. Montegre has no reporters of its own; the byline names the outlets the story was compiled from. Method and editorial standards