In a surprising upset at the 2026 US Open, Novak Djokovic, the 39‑year‑old Serbian who holds the record with 24 major titles, was knocked out in the first round by Argentina’s rising star Mariano Navone. The match, played under the bright night lights of Flushing Meadows, stretched to five sets and lasted four hours and 36 minutes, marking the longest opening‑round match of Djokovic’s career.
Match details
Navone took the early lead, winning the first set 7‑6 (5) after a tense tiebreak. Djokovic rallied to claim the second set 7‑5, but the Argentine continued his momentum, securing the third set 6‑4. The fourth set saw Djokovic’s physical struggles become evident; he appeared to cramp, massaged his lower back during a medical timeout, and swallowed medication provided by a team doctor. Navone capitalized, winning the fourth 6‑2, and then closed out the match with a decisive 6‑1 in the final set.
Physical challenges for the champion
Throughout the contest, Djokovic battled recurring health issues that have plagued his season. He reported vomiting and severe cramping, describing the experience as “an awful feeling on the court.” The Serbian’s left foot twitched with pain, and he suffered a noticeable collapse of his back and shoulder in the later stages. He accumulated 70 unforced errors, a stark contrast to his usual precision.
Navone’s breakthrough
For the 25‑year‑old from Argentina, the victory was a career‑defining moment. Navone, who captured his first ATP singles title earlier this year, said, “It was very tough for me because you are playing with the ‘GOAT’ on this court. This is an amazing court and the biggest stage. I’m very happy.” The win marks Navone’s first Grand Slam match victory and a dream‑realized moment for a player who grew up idolizing Djokovic.
Implications for Djokovic
The loss ends a two‑decade streak of first‑round success at the US Open for Djokovic, dating back to his debut in 2006. It also follows a recent first‑round defeat at the Cincinnati hard‑court tune‑up, suggesting a pattern of early‑round struggles that could affect his preparation for the remainder of the season. Djokovic hinted at uncertainty about his future in Grand Slam competition, stating he is “trying to address what’s going on and how far I can go this way.”
Looking ahead
While the Serbian legend contemplates his next steps, Navone’s victory adds a fresh narrative to the tournament and highlights the depth of talent emerging on the ATP tour. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see whether Djokovic can rebound in upcoming events or if this marks a turning point in his storied career.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
