Novak Djokovic’s quest for a historic 25th Grand Slam title was abruptly halted in the opening round of the US Open, where he was defeated by Argentina’s rising star Mariano Navone in a grueling five‑set encounter that lasted four hours and 36 minutes. The 39‑year‑old Serbian, who entered the tournament hoping to add another major to his already legendary résumé, fell 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, marking the longest first‑round match of his Grand Slam career and his earliest exit from a major since the 2006 Australian Open. Navone’s victory was historic on several fronts.
He became the first player ever to knock Djokovic out in the first round of the US Open, and the first to do so at any Grand Slam since Paul Goldstein’s upset of the Serb at the 2006 Australian Open. Moreover, Navone secured his first top‑10 win at a major tournament, a milestone that underscores his rapid ascent on the ATP Tour.
The match unfolded under oppressive humidity that seemed to sap Djokovic’s stamina from the outset. While the Serbian managed to clinch the opening set in a tiebreak, Navone quickly found his rhythm, taking the second and third sets and forcing Djokovic into a fight for survival. Although Djokovic rallied to claim the fourth set, the damage was already done; his body was visibly struggling.
He suffered multiple bouts of vomiting, severe cramping, and a general sense of collapse that left him unable to mount a sustained comeback in the decisive fifth set. Statistically, Djokovic entered the match with a 42‑12 record in five‑set battles, while Navone was 0‑4 in such encounters.
Yet the physical toll of the New York heat and humidity proved decisive. Djokovic admitted after the match that he had been battling a lingering health issue throughout the tournament, one that is aggravated by high temperatures and causes frequent vomiting and muscle fatigue.
"My whole body started to collapse, basically cramping and pain," he said, adding that his back and shoulder gave out in the final stages. "I don’t know if the issue can be fixed, but I’m trying." The loss raises unsettling questions about Djokovic’s future at the sport’s biggest stages. With this defeat, he is set to drop out of the ATP top ten for the first time in eight years, ending a remarkable run of dominance that has defined men’s tennis for more than a decade.
Fans and pundits alike are left wondering whether this could be his final appearance at a Grand Slam, or if he will find a way to manage his health concerns and return to form. Navone, a 25‑year‑old who captured his first ATP singles title earlier in the year, expressed his admiration for his opponent, noting that playing against the "GOAT" on such a prestigious court was a career‑defining moment. "It was the best thing I’ve had on court.
This is an amazing court and the biggest stage. I’m very happy," he said, reflecting on the emotional weight of the victory. The match also featured a number of ancillary storylines.
American Sofia Kenin defeated Venus Williams 6-2, 7-6 (8-6) in a women's match that began at 12:13 am, setting a record for the latest start time in US Open history. Williams, a two‑time champion, suffered her 14th consecutive singles loss, extending a slump that began after her 2019 US Open win. Djokovic’s health woes were not a surprise to those who watched his recent Cincinnati outing, where he collapsed to his knees and vomited into a towel. He later revealed that a long‑standing condition, exacerbated by heat, has been affecting his performance for years.
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 limitations imposed by the environment. In the broader context of tennis history, this match marked the first time since 2003 that none of the sport’s three most dominant players—Djokovic, Roger Federer, or Rafael Nadal—advanced beyond the second round of a Grand Slam.
The absence of these icons underscores a shifting landscape in men’s tennis, where younger talents like Navone are beginning to make their mark. As the US Open continues, the tournament remains available for streaming on NOW without a contract, and Sky Sports will provide live coverage, highlights, and analysis throughout the event. Fans can also follow the Laver Cup later this month at The O2 in London, where the sport’s top players will compete in another high‑profile showcase. In summary, Novak Djokovic’s early departure from the US Open was a dramatic and emotional episode that highlighted the physical challenges elite athletes face in extreme conditions.
Mariano Navone’s breakthrough victory not only earned him a place in the record books but also signaled the emergence of a new generation ready to challenge the established order. The tennis world now watches closely to see how Djokovic will address his health concerns and whether he can return to the pinnacle of the sport in future Grand Slam events.