Novak Djokovic suffered a shocking first-round exit at the US Open after Argentina’s Mariano Navone defeated him in a gruelling five-set battle that lasted four hours and 36 minutes.
.webp "US Open: Djokovic Stunned by Navone in Longest Grand Slam First-Round Match of His Career")
The 39-year-old Serbian lost 7-6, 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, ending his hopes of winning a record 25th Grand Slam title and a fifth US Open crown. The defeat was Djokovic’s earliest exit from a major tournament since the 2006 Australian Open.
Djokovic struggled physically throughout the contest, with nausea, vomiting, cramps and back and shoulder problems affecting his movement and ability to maintain his level. Despite taking a two-sets-to-one lead, he was unable to withstand Navone’s pressure in the final two sets.
For Navone, the victory represents the biggest win of his career. The 25-year-old Argentine, ranked No. 49, became the first player to defeat Djokovic in the opening round of a Grand Slam since 2006 and secured his first top-10 Grand Slam victory.
The defeat also raises fresh questions about Djokovic’s future at the biggest tournaments, particularly after he revealed that the physical problems have affected him repeatedly during the 2026 season.
Navone’s remarkable victory has sent one of tennis’s greatest champions crashing out at the first hurdle, while opening the door for a new generation to make its mark at the US Open.