Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record‑breaking 25th Grand Slam title ended abruptly at the US Open, where he was beaten by Argentina’s Mariano Navone in a grueling five‑set encounter. The 39‑year‑old Serbian fell 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, after a match that stretched to four hours and 36 minutes, marking the longest opening‑round match of his career and the earliest Grand Slam exit he has suffered since the 2006 Australian Open.
Navone, ranked world No. 49, became the first player ever to dispatch Djokovic in a first‑round US Open match and the first to do so in any Grand Slam first round since Paul Goldstein’s upset in 2006.
The victory also gave Navone his first top‑10 win at a major tournament. The Argentine’s triumph was aided by the oppressive New York humidity, which seemed to exacerbate Djokovic’s physical ailments.
Throughout the contest the Serbian complained of severe cramping, nausea and repeated vomiting, at times appearing unable to move freely. He described his body as “collapsing,” with his back and shoulder giving out in the later stages, preventing him from closing out the match. Statistically, Djokovic entered the match with a 42‑12 record in five‑set battles, while Navone was 0‑4 in such encounters. Yet the health issues that have plagued Djokovic all season—particularly in hot, humid conditions—proved decisive.
After a previous loss in Cincinnati, where he collapsed to his knees and vomited onto a towel, he had warned that a long‑standing health problem flares up in heat, causing him to feel ill and suffer muscle cramps. During the US Open contest, Djokovic’s face turned red and his hair was drenched in sweat early in the first set, which he led 3‑0 before losing it in a tiebreak.
He managed to close the second set with a crucial break at 6‑5 after another bout of vomiting, but the physical toll continued. By the third set he was again sick, yet he still managed a break of serve that brought him within one set of victory. In the fourth set he vomited once more at the start, broke Navone’s serve to go up 2‑1, but the Argentine held firm. A mis‑step in the fourth set saw Djokovic land awkwardly, drop his racket and essentially concede the set.
The fifth set turned into a somber showcase of exhaustion: Djokovic, visibly trembling, made 70 unforced errors and could barely muster movement. He admitted he “despised every moment” on the court, holding back tears as the match slipped away.
After the loss, Djokovic reflected, "I didn’t enjoy myself at all. My whole body was cramping, I was vomiting, and the back finally gave out. I don’t know if the issue can be fixed, but I’m trying." The defeat raises the unsettling possibility that this could be his final appearance at a Grand Slam, a notion that has already sparked speculation among fans and commentators. Navone, who secured his first ATP singles title earlier in the year, expressed awe at sharing the court with the Serbian legend.
"Playing against the GOAT on this stage is the biggest thing I’ve ever experienced. It’s an amazing feeling, even though I lost the first three sets. I’m very happy with how I fought back," he said, acknowledging the significance of the win for his career.
The upset also has ranking implications: Djokovic is set to fall out of the ATP top ten for the first time in eight years, ending a remarkable stretch of dominance. Meanwhile, the broader tournament narrative continued with American Sofia Kenin edging Venus Williams 6‑2, 7‑6 (8‑6) in a match that began just after midnight, marking the latest start for a women’s match in US Open history. Williams suffered her 14th consecutive singles defeat, extending a losing streak that began after her 2019 US Open win. Overall, the match highlighted the growing impact of extreme weather on elite tennis, especially for players with underlying health concerns.
Djokovic’s struggle under New York’s humid conditions, despite the arena’s roof being closed and air conditioning on, underscores how even the most seasoned champions can be vulnerable when physical limits are reached. The episode will likely fuel discussions about player health protocols, scheduling, and the need for adequate recovery time in the sport’s most demanding events.
Fans can continue to follow the US Open live on Sky Sports, stream matches contract‑free via NOW, or catch highlights and analysis through the Sky Sports app. The tournament, which runs through early September, promises further drama as the remaining fields vie for the coveted titles.