Novak Djokovic’s US Open campaign ended in a historic first-round defeat on Sunday night, marking his earliest exit from a Grand Slam tournament in two decades. The 39-year-old tennis icon was eliminated by 25-year-old Argentine Mariano Navone, who secured a 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 victory in a grueling four-hour and 36-minute marathon. This result stands as the longest opening-round match of Djokovic’s career and represents his first-ever first-round loss at the US Open, a streak dating back to his tournament debut 21 years ago.
The match was defined by physical distress for the 24-time major champion. Throughout the contest, Djokovic struggled with recurring health issues, including vomiting and severe cramping. During a medical timeout between the fourth and fifth sets, he received back massages and medication to manage the pain. He later described the experience as a recurring nightmare, noting that his body consistently collapses under the strain of competition. “It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year: vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there,” Djokovic explained. “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’s performance was marred by 70 unforced errors, and he admitted to a deep sense of dissatisfaction with his time on the court. “I didn’t enjoy myself,” he said. “I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me. Just struggled all the way since the fourth game of the match. I pretty much despised every moment that I spent on the court for that.” Despite the physical toll, the Serbian star showed flashes of his former dominance, taking leads early in the match and rallying to win the second and third sets while his wife, Jelena, watched from the stands.
For Mariano Navone, the victory was a career-defining moment. The Argentine, who won his first ATP singles title earlier this year, grew up idolizing Djokovic and expressed disbelief at the outcome. “(It) was very tough for me because you are playing with the ‘GOAT’ on this court,” Navone said. “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.”
The loss extends a difficult stretch for Djokovic, who also suffered a first-round exit at the Cincinnati hardcourt tuneup earlier this month. That tournament was his first appearance since a semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon. While Djokovic had hoped the extra preparation time would bolster his performance in New York, the early defeat has left him questioning his future in the sport. Following the match, he acknowledged that he is currently evaluating his physical condition and determining how much longer he can continue to compete at this level. The report also notes that 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, novak Djokovic grinded through physical and internal ailments. The report also notes that dating to the 2006 Australian Open, it was the longest opening match of a Grand Slam in Djokovic’s career and became his earliest exit in two decades. The report also notes that 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. The report also notes that djokovic made 70 unforced errors in a painful performance that ended mere minutes before midnight. The report also notes that 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. The report also notes that and the wear and tear of sickness and soreness took its toll, it was clear Djokovic was not himself. The report also notes that 4 seed from Serbia cruised to early 3-0 and 4-1 leads before blowing them and losing the first set — the first time that happened to him in the first round of the US Open since ’06.
