Novak Djokovic’s quest for a historic 25th Grand Slam title came to an abrupt and shocking halt at the 2024 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 hoping to add a fifth US Open crown to his résumé, fell 7‑6 (7‑5), 5‑7, 4‑6, 6‑2, 6‑1, ending a match that stretched to four hours and 36 minutes. This loss marked the longest opening‑round encounter of Djokovic’s Grand Slam career and represented his earliest departure from a major since his first‑round loss at the 2006 Australian Open.
Navone, ranked No. 49 in the world, achieved several notable firsts with the victory. He became the inaugural player to defeat Djokovic in the opening round of the US Open, the first to do so at any Grand Slam since Paul Goldstein’s upset in 2006, and secured his maiden top‑10 win at a major tournament. The Argentine’s triumph also halted Djokovic’s pursuit of a fifth US Open title, as the Serbian struggled with severe physical distress amid the oppressive New York humidity.
Throughout the match, Djokovic’s condition deteriorated. He experienced repeated bouts of vomiting, cramping, and a general sense that his body was “collapsing.” By the fourth set, his back and shoulder gave out, leaving him unable to finish the match on his usual terms.
After the loss, Djokovic admitted that he had been battling a chronic health issue that flares up in hot, humid conditions—a problem he said he has endured for many years and that has plagued every match this season. He described the experience as “awful” and confessed he “despised every moment” on the court. The defeat raises questions about Djokovic’s future in Grand Slam competition.
At 39, he has been a dominant force for over a decade, but this setback could signal the end of his era at the sport’s biggest stages. The Serbian’s record in five‑set matches stood at 42‑12 before the loss, while Navone entered the match winless in five‑set battles (0‑4).
Despite the odds, Navone’s resilience and physical fitness allowed him to outlast the ailing champion, ultimately securing a decisive 6‑1 win in the final set. In addition to the headline match, the tournament featured other notable moments. American Sofia Kenin held off a late surge from fellow U.S. player Venus Williams, clinching a 6‑2, 7‑6 (8‑6) victory after a tense tie‑break.
The match, which began at 12:13 a.m. on Arthur Ashe Stadium, set a new record for the latest‑starting women’s match in US Open history.
For Williams, it marked her 14th consecutive singles defeat, extending a losing streak that began after her last win in Washington in July 2025. Djokovic’s physical woes were evident from the start. After a dominant 3‑0 lead in the first set, he was forced into a tie‑break, which he ultimately lost. The heat and humidity of New York, though not as extreme as Cincinnati where he previously collapsed, still took a toll.
His cheeks flushed red, sweat drenched his hair, and he was seen vomiting near the courtside towel box. Even after the roof of the stadium was closed to mitigate the conditions, the Serbian’s body continued to betray him.
He managed to break Navone’s serve late in the second set, but subsequent vomiting episodes and cramping hampered his movement and shot selection. The fourth set saw Djokovic again succumbing to nausea, yet he still managed a crucial break to lead 2‑1. However, a mis‑step after a wide shot caused him to land awkwardly, drop his racket, and effectively concede the set. By the fifth set, Djokovic was visibly emotional, holding back tears and committing 70 unforced errors.
He described the match as “not enjoyable” and expressed deep frustration with his physical limitations. Navone, who idolized Djokovic growing up, praised the experience of playing against the legendary "GOAT" on such a grand stage.
He called the victory “the best thing I’ve had on court” and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete at the highest level, noting the significance of playing five sets at a major tournament. As a result of the loss, Djokovic is set to fall out of the ATP top ten for the first time in eight years, ending a remarkable run of consistency at the sport’s elite level. The match also marked a historic moment: for the first time since 2003, none of the three dominant figures of modern tennis—Djokovic, Roger Federer, or Rafael Nadal—advanced beyond the first round of a Grand Slam. The US Open continues to broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available via NOW and the Sky Sports app.
Fans can also look forward to upcoming events such as the Laver Cup at The O2 in London later in September. Djokovic’s unexpected early exit will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion throughout the tennis world, as analysts and fans alike contemplate the future trajectory of one of the sport’s greatest champions.