France, Aug. 31 -- Djokovic, 39, struggled to maintain his balance and vomited on court during his loss in four hours and 36 minutes to the Argentine journeyman Mariano Navone.

It was Djokovic's earliest exit at one of the four Grand Slam tournaments in Melbourne, Paris, London and New York since he lost to Paul Goldstein at the Australian Open in 2006.

In the absence of world number one Jannik Sinner due to a knee problem and Carlos Alcaraz's return after a four month injury lay-off, Djokovic was among the contenders for the 2026 US Open title.

His removal opens up the draw in his section for the likes of Thomas Etcheverry and Jacob Fearnley to reach the third round where losers will collect $290,000 (€250,000). Contender for 20...