01 September,2026 08:49 AM IST | New York | AP
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic during his match against Argentina’s Mariano Navone at the US Open in New York on Sunday. Pics/AFP
[popcorn number="One" desc="No. of times Novak Djokovic has been knocked out in the first round of the US Open across 20 appearances; this is his earliest exit from a Grand Slam in two decades, dating back to the 2006 Australian Open" class="Default"]
[popcorn number="78" desc="No. of consecutive Grand Slam first-round matches won by Novak Djokovic prior to his loss to Argentine Mariano Navone on Sunday - the longest streak in the Open era" class="Default"]
[popcorn number="One" desc="No. of times Mariano Navone has defeated a player ranked in the top 10 at a Grand Slam" class="Default"]
Novak Djokovic grinded through physical and internal ailments, made one mistake after another and could not find what it took to beat a feisty, younger opponent who was not intimidated under the lights against tennis' most decorated player.
The 39-year-old is out of the US Open after a first-round defeat to Mariano Navone on Sunday night, losing 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a five-set marathon that lasted four hours and 36 minutes. It was the longest opening match of a Grand Slam in Djokovic's career and became his earliest exit in one in two decades, dating to the 2006 Australian Open. He had never lost in the first round at the US Open.
"I didn't enjoy myself. I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me," Djokovic said.
The record holder with 24 major titles threw up at least once and later appeared to be cramping when he grabbed at his left foot. Djokovic swallowed pills brought to him by a doctor and had his lower back massaged during a medical timeout between the fourth and fifth sets, and he grimaced after several shots.
Djokovic made 70 unforced errors in a painful performance that ended minutes before midnight. "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. Yeah, the back just gave up in the end and shoulder, and I couldn't close it out," Djokovic said.
With this defeat, 21 years to the day of his US Open debut, the question now lingers as to whether this was Djokovic's final match at this or any Grand Slam. After the loss, he said he was "trying to address really what's going on and how far I can go this way."
Djokovic added: "Just struggled all the way since the fourth game of the match. When it comes to the match itself and overall feeling of how I felt with my body and playing, it was really not enjoyable. I pretty much despised every moment that I spent on the court for that."
Meanwhile, Navone - the 25-year-old Argentine, who, earlier this year, won his first ATP singles title - was over the moon.
"[It] was very tough for me because you are playing with the âGOAT' on this court," said Navone, who idolised Djokovic growing up. "For sure it's the best thing I've had on court. This is an amazing court and the biggest stage. It's amazing, the way we play. I mean, five sets. I'm very happy. I don't know. What can I say?"
Navone said.
Aus Open: Quarter-final
French Open: Third round
Wimbledon: Semi-final
US Open: First round
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