Novak Djokovic reveals Grand Slam plans for year 2027

Novak Djokovic has revealed his Grand Slam plans for the year 2027 after his first-round exit at the US Open on Sunday.

The Serb tennis star made his earliest exit at a Grand Slam in more than two decades as he succumbed to injury and illness in a shock defeat by unseeded Argentine Mariano Navone.

The 39-year-old had arrived at Flushing Meadows to win a fifth title and a record 25th major crown overall but crashed out 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 to send shockwaves through the final Grand Slam of the year.

The last time Djokovic lost in the first round of a Grand Slam was at the Australian Open in 2006 and the Serb did not go down without a fight despite battling shoulder and back problems and vomiting midway through the match.

“I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me. It's something that I've been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year. Vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there. Then my whole body starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain,” Djokovic said.

“Yeah, the back just gave up in the end and shoulder, and I couldn't close it out.”

Every Djokovic loss at a Grand Slam is followed by questions about his retirement, and same happened after US Open exit because he will turn 40 next May, although the former world No. 1 said that he is not planning to leave Grand Slam tennis behind.

Asked if playing more major events could suit him better next year, Novak Djokovic said he will first speak with his team, but his wish for the Grand Slam season remains clear.

“We will see, I have to address that with my team,” the Serb said.

“That is a sentiment definitely after the Grand Slam season this year. Not to say that I will skip Grand Slams, I still want to play a full Grand Slam season next year. Let’s see if that is going to happen.”

Djokovic has previously said that he wants to play until the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.