Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the first round of the U.S. Open on Sunday, marking his earliest exit at a Grand Slam tournament in two decades. The 39-year-old Serbian, seeded fifth, lost 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 to unseeded Argentine Mariano Navone in a five-set match lasting four hours and 36 minutes. This defeat ended Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title and his fifth U.S. Open crown.
Physical struggles dominate Djokovic’s post-match remarks
Djokovic acknowledged significant physical difficulties during and after the match. He stated that he had been dealing with health issues throughout the year, including vomiting and cramping, which he described as a “serious issue.” “It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year,” Djokovic said. “Vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there. Then my whole body starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain.” He also cited back and shoulder problems that affected his serve and movement, particularly in the later stages of the match. Djokovic appeared emotional at the conclusion, stating, “I didn’t enjoy myself. It was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me.”
Navone achieves career-defining win over tennis legend
Mariano Navone, ranked world No. 49, secured the biggest victory of his career by defeating Djokovic, whom he described as the greatest of all time (GOAT). “Five sets, against the GOAT, it’s not something you do every day,” Navone said. “I’m very happy. It means a lot to me. It’s a dream come true.” He added that the match was physically and mentally demanding, noting that he had to recover immediately afterward due to the late finish. Navone’s victory marked the first time Djokovic had lost in the opening round of a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open.
Match details and historical context
The match was the longest first-round Grand Slam match in Djokovic’s career. He made 70 unforced errors and appeared visibly fatigued, receiving medical attention between the fourth and fifth sets, including a lower back massage and medication. Djokovic was down 3-1 in the fifth set before Navone closed out the match. The loss means Djokovic will drop out of the top 10 in the ATP rankings for the first time since 2018. This defeat also occurred on the 21st anniversary of Djokovic’s U.S. Open debut in 2003.
Reactions and implications
Djokovic expressed disappointment but congratulated Navone, saying, “Congratulations to him. He’s a nice guy, a fighter.” He also indicated that he would take time to address his health concerns and determine his future at the Grand Slam level. Navone, who had never previously advanced past the first round of a Grand Slam, called the win a “dream come true” and acknowledged the emotional and physical toll of the match. He described the experience as surreal and said he would need time to process the significance of the victory.