Novak Djokovic’s quest for a historic 25th Grand Slam title came to an abrupt and unexpected halt at the US Open, where he was defeated by Argentina’s Mariano Navone in a marathon five‑set match. The 39‑year‑old Serbian, who entered the tournament aiming to add a fifth US Open crown to his already impressive résumé, succumbed 7‑6 (7‑5), 5‑7, 4‑6, 6‑2, 6‑1. The contest stretched to four hours and 36 minutes, marking the longest opening‑round match of Djokovic’s Grand Slam career and the earliest defeat for him at a major since the 2006 Australian Open. Navone’s victory was historic on several fronts.
He became the first player ever to eliminate Djokovic in the first round of the US Open, and the first to do so in the opening round of any Grand Slam since Paul Goldstein’s upset at the 2006 Australian Open. Moreover, the win represented Navone’s inaugural top‑10 triumph at a major tournament, underscoring the magnitude of his achievement against one of the sport’s all‑time greats.
The match was played under oppressive humidity, a condition that appeared to exacerbate Djokovic’s physical struggles. Throughout the encounter, the Serbian champion was visibly hampered by cramping, pain, and repeated bouts of vomiting.
He later described the experience as "awful" and admitted that his body felt as though it were "collapsing". The back and shoulder gave out at crucial moments, and despite his legendary resilience, Djokovic could not summon the usual level of movement and endurance that have defined his career. Statistically, Djokovic entered the match with a 42‑12 record in five‑set battles, while Navone was 0‑4 in such situations.
Yet the Argentine’s relentless energy and tactical discipline allowed him to capitalize on Djokovic’s deteriorating condition. Navone, a 25‑year‑old who captured his first ATP singles title earlier in the year, displayed a blend of aggressive baseline play and mental fortitude that kept him in the contest even as the Serbian legend faltered. The defeat raises unsettling questions about Djokovic’s future at Grand Slam events.
After the loss, he reflected, "I didn’t enjoy myself at all. It was an awful feeling on the court for me." He added that a lingering health issue, which has plagued him throughout the season, was aggravated by the heat and humidity, leading to repeated vomiting and severe cramping.
"My whole body started to collapse, basically cramping and pain," he said, adding that his back ultimately gave out, leaving him unable to close out the match. The match also marked a notable shift in the tennis landscape. For the first time since 2003, neither Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, nor Rafael Nadal advanced beyond the first round of a Grand Slam, highlighting the emergence of a new generation of competitors ready to challenge the established hierarchy. Navone’s triumph, celebrated by his opponent’s admiration – "I idolised Djokovic growing up" – exemplifies this changing of the guard.
Beyond the headline‑grabbing upset, the tournament featured other notable moments. American Sofia Kenin fought off a second‑set surge from fellow U.S. player Venus Williams, securing a 6‑2, 7‑6 (8‑6) win after a tie‑break. The match began at 12:13 am local time, setting a record for the latest‑starting women’s match in US Open history.
For Williams, it was her 14th consecutive singles loss, extending a slump that began after her last victory in Washington in July 2025, and marking six straight defeats at the US Open since her first‑round win in 2019. Djokovic’s physical woes were evident even before the Navone encounter.
Two weeks earlier in Cincinnati, he collapsed to his knees and vomited into a towel after a loss to Thiago Tirante, citing a long‑standing health issue that flares up in hot, humid conditions. At the US Open, despite the venue’s air‑conditioning and the roof being closed, his cheeks were flushed and his hair drenched in sweat as early as the first set, which he led 3‑0 before losing in a tie‑break.
During the second set, after another bout of vomiting near the courtside towel box, Djokovic managed to break Navone’s serve at 6‑5 and serve out the set. He repeated a similar pattern in the third and fourth sets, breaking serve each time despite feeling ill and cramping. However, in the fourth set, a mis‑timed shot caused him to land awkwardly, drop his racket, and concede the set, effectively handing the momentum to Navone.
The final set saw Djokovic’s condition deteriorate further. He made 70 unforced errors, struggled to move, and was visibly on the verge of tears.
"I pretty much despised every moment that I spent on the court for that," he confessed after the match. Navone, humbled yet thrilled, praised the experience: "It was the best thing I’ve had on court, playing against the GOAT on the biggest stage. I’m very happy." As a result of the loss, Djokovic is set to drop out of the ATP top ten for the first time in eight years, a stark indicator of the physical toll the sport has taken on him. Meanwhile, Navone’s victory will likely boost his confidence and ranking, positioning him as a rising contender on the tour.
The US Open continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available through NOW and the Sky Sports app, allowing fans worldwide to follow the unfolding drama of this iconic tournament.