Novak Djokovic’s quest for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title came to an abrupt and startling halt at the 2024 US Open, where he was toppled in the opening round by Argentina’s Mariano Navone. The 39‑year‑old Serbian, who entered the tournament as a heavy favourite, was defeated 7‑6 (7‑5), 5‑7, 4‑6, 6‑2, 6‑1 in a match that stretched to four hours and 36 minutes.
The loss not only marked the longest first‑round encounter of Djokovic’s Grand Slam career but also represented his earliest departure from a major since his second‑round loss at the 2006 Australian Open. Navone’s victory was historic on several fronts.
He became the first player ever to beat Djokovic in the opening round of the US Open, and the first to accomplish such a feat in any Grand Slam since Paul Goldstein’s upset of the Serbian at the 2006 Australian Open. Moreover, Navone secured his inaugural top‑10 win at a major tournament, underscoring the magnitude of his achievement.
The Argentine’s triumph ended Djokovic’s hopes of adding a fifth US Open crown to his already impressive résumé. Throughout the match, the Serbian struggled with severe physical distress, exacerbated by the oppressive New York humidity. While Djokovic entered the contest with a 42‑12 record in five‑set battles, Navone entered with none, yet the conditions and Djokovic’s deteriorating health tilted the scales dramatically.
During the contest, Djokovic repeatedly vomited, experienced cramping, and described his body as “collapsing.” He later explained that a lingering health issue—one he has battled for years and which flares up in hot, humid environments—had left his back, shoulders, and overall stamina compromised. "My whole body started to cramp and hurt, the back gave out, the shoulder gave out, and I couldn’t finish the match," he said, adding that he was uncertain whether the problem could ever be fully resolved. The match’s drama unfolded with Djokovic taking the first set in a tiebreak after a 3‑0 lead, only to lose momentum as nausea set in.
He managed to force a break at 6‑5 in the second set after a brief bout of vomiting near the courtside towel box, but Navone held on to claim the set. The third set saw another episode of sickness for Djokovic, yet he still managed to break serve once, edging closer to a potential comeback. By the fourth set, the Serbian was visibly exhausted; he vomited again early in the set before breaking Navone’s serve for a brief lead, but the Argentine’s resilience prevailed, and he took the set 6‑2.
In the decisive fifth set, Djokovic’s movement was laboured, his racket slipped from his grip after a mis‑hit, and he could barely muster the energy to contest rallies. He ultimately succumbed to Navone’s relentless pressure, finishing the match with 70 unforced errors. The defeat, which concluded just before midnight, left Djokovic visibly emotional, with tears welling up as he admitted he “despised every moment” on the court.
Beyond the immediate shock, the loss carries broader implications for Djokovic’s career. The defeat will likely see him drop out of the ATP top ten for the first time in eight years, a significant shift for a player who has dominated the rankings for much of the past decade. Navone, who idolised Djokovic growing up, expressed awe at having faced the "GOAT" on such a grand stage, calling the experience "the best thing I've had on court" and praising the atmosphere of the US Open.
The match also marked a rare statistical moment: for the first time since 2003, none of the sport’s three modern legends—Djokovic, Roger Federer, or Rafael Nadal—advanced beyond the second round of a Grand Slam. This generational turnover hints at a potential reshaping of men’s tennis, as younger talents seize opportunities previously dominated by the established elite. In the broader context of the tournament, the day also featured American Sofia Kenin overcoming Venus Williams in a tightly contested 6‑2, 7‑6 (8‑6) victory, with the match starting at 12:13 a.m., the latest opening‑round women’s match in US Open history. Williams suffered her 14th consecutive singles loss, underscoring a challenging period for the former champion.
Djokovic’s 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 later disclosed that a chronic condition, aggravated by heat and humidity, has been affecting him throughout the season. Although the New York summer was milder than the sweltering conditions in Cincinnati, Djokovic’s cheeks were flushed and his hair drenched in sweat early in the first set, signaling that his body was already under strain. Despite closing the roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium and having his family—wife Jelena and their children—watch from the stands, Djokovic could not overcome the physical barriers.
He managed a brief resurgence in the second set, breaking Navone’s serve at 6‑5, but subsequent bouts of nausea and cramping eroded his performance. The aftermath of the match left many fans and analysts pondering whether this could be Djokovic’s final appearance at a Grand Slam. While he remains determined to recover and continue competing, the severity of his symptoms—repeated vomiting, severe cramping, and a feeling that his body was “collapsing”—raises serious questions about his future durability on the sport’s biggest stages. For those following the tournament, live coverage continues on Sky Sports, with streaming options available through NOW and the Sky Sports app.
The US Open will run through August 30, offering more thrilling encounters as the field adjusts to the unexpected early exit of one of tennis’s most dominant figures.