Novak Djokovic’s quest for a historic 25th Grand Slam title was abruptly halted in the opening round of the US Open, where he succumbed to Argentina’s Mariano Navone after a grueling five‑set encounter that stretched to four hours and 36 minutes. The 39‑year‑old Serbian, who entered the tournament hoping to add a fifth US Open crown to his already impressive résumé, was defeated 7‑6 (7‑5), 5‑7, 4‑6, 6‑2, 6‑1. Navone, ranked world No. 49, delivered a performance that not only marked the longest first‑round match of Djokovic’s Grand Slam career but also represented the earliest exit for the Serbian since his loss at the 2006 Australian Open.
The match was historic on several fronts. Navone 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.
Additionally, Navone secured his inaugural top‑10 victory at a major tournament, a milestone that will be remembered in Argentine tennis circles for years to come. From the outset, the conditions in New York proved unforgiving.
The oppressive humidity, combined with the heat that lingered even after the roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium was closed, seemed to sap Djokovic’s stamina. The Serbian legend, who has a career record of 42‑12 in five‑set matches, appeared visibly strained. He struggled to move fluidly, suffered multiple bouts of vomiting, and at times described his body as “collapsing” under the pressure.
"My whole body started to cramp, my back gave out, and my shoulder hurt," Djokovic later explained. "I’ve been dealing with this health issue for years, especially in hot, humid conditions, and today it finally caught up with me." Navone, a 25‑year‑old who captured his first ATP singles title earlier in the season, showed remarkable composure despite the marathon nature of the contest. After taking the first set in a tight tiebreak, he weathered a spirited comeback from Djokovic in the second and third sets.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the fourth when Djokovic, already weakened, vomited again and struggled to maintain his serve. Navone broke for a 6‑5 lead, then held his nerve to close out the set 6‑2. By the fifth, the Serbian was visibly exhausted, his movements reduced to labored steps, and he ultimately could not stop the tide, conceding the final set 6‑1.
The emotional toll on Djokovic was evident. He admitted that he “didn’t enjoy” a single moment on the court and that the experience was “awful.” He also hinted that this could be his final appearance at a Grand Slam, given the severity of his physical issues. "I’ve been carrying this problem every match this year," he said. "I don’t know if it can be fixed, but I’m trying.
Let’s see what happens." Navone’s victory resonated beyond the scoreboard. He expressed awe at having faced the "GOAT" (Greatest Of All Time) on such a grand stage, noting that playing against Djokovic was a dream come true.
"It’s the biggest stage, five sets, an amazing court. I’m very happy. I don’t know what else to say," Navone remarked, adding that he idolized Djokovic growing up. The fallout from the upset will be significant for the ATP rankings.
Djokovic is set to drop out of the top ten for the first time in eight years, a shift that underscores the changing dynamics at the pinnacle of men’s tennis. Meanwhile, Navone’s triumph will likely catapult him into higher-tier tournaments and boost his confidence heading into the remainder of the season. In related news from the women's draw, American Sofia Kenin edged out Venus Williams 6‑2, 7‑6 (8‑6) after a late‑night battle that began at 12:13 am, marking the latest start time for a women's match in US Open history.
Williams suffered her 14th consecutive singles defeat, a streak that began after her last victory in Washington in July 2025, and she has now lost six straight matches at the US Open since her 2019 win. Djokovic’s recent health concerns were first hinted at in Cincinnati two weeks earlier, when he collapsed to his knees and vomited onto a towel after a loss to Thiago Tirante.
He disclosed that a long‑standing condition, aggravated by heat and humidity, has plagued him throughout the season. Despite closing the roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium and receiving support from his wife Jelena and their children in the stands, the Serbian could not overcome the physical distress that plagued him from the first set onward. The match also marked a notable statistical moment: for the first time since 2003, none of the three dominant men’s players—Djokovic, Roger Federer, or Rafael Nadal—advanced beyond the second round of a Grand Slam.
This shift signals a potential new era in tennis, where emerging talents like Navone are beginning to challenge the established hierarchy. As the US Open continues, Sky Sports will broadcast the remaining action, and fans can stream matches contract‑free via NOW.
The tournament, which runs through early September, promises more drama, upsets, and historic moments as the remaining players vie for the coveted titles.