The 2026 US Open got off to a bizarre start with Novak Djokovic, the greatest tennis player of all time, losing in the first round. Djokovic has a 14-7 record this year. He was the 2026 Australian Open finalist and 2026 Wimbledon semifinalist, losing to the eventual champions, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, respectively. Recently, Djokovic has become physically unhinged in matches. Sweating, vomiting, and cramping are among the issues he has experienced. His conditioning over his career has been exemplary so it could be an age-related issue. However, internet conspiracy theorists have come up with another explanation for the 39-year-old’s recent problems. MORE: Alexander Zverev survives massive scare from Lorenzo Sonego at US Open Does Djokovic have long COVID? It is worth noting that no medical professionals have weighed in on this discussion. This is an internet-based theory reflecting from his stance on the COVID-19 vaccine which he elected not to take and his current symptoms. Some of those are long COVID symptoms but are also symptoms of other disorders. We do know that he previously contracted COVID-19 at least one time, in December 2021.
August 30, 2026; New York, United States; Serbia’s Novak Djokovic acknowledges the crowd after losing his first round match against Argentina’s Mariano Navone. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
MORE: Ageless Gael Monfils joins Jimmy Connors in US Open lore Problems with this theory The biggest argument against this theory is that Djokovic won the Paris Olympics gold medal in 2024 and the Geneva Open in 2025. If it is long COVID, wouldn’t there have been signs of it in those tournaments? He says he has been dealing with it for a couple of years, but it has not manifested on the court until this year. Whatever it is, it is painful to watch Djokovic go through it on court We know Father Time always wins, but Djokovic has been one of the fittest, most consistent athletes of this century. It is hard to watch him struggle on court. His intention has always been to play until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics so hopefully he finds therapies or solutions to help him through these recent on-court issues, whatever they are. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —