Novak Djokovic's quest for a historic 25th Grand Slam title came to an abrupt and painful halt at the 2024 US Open, where he was defeated in the opening round by Argentina's rising star Mariano Navone. The match, which stretched to four hours and 36 minutes, ended with a scoreline of 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in Navone's favour, marking the longest first‑round encounter of Djokovic's Grand Slam career and the earliest exit for the Serbian champion at a major since the 2006 Australian Open. Navone, ranked world No. 49, became the first player ever to knock Djokovic out in the opening round of a US Open, and the first to do so in any Grand Slam since Paul Goldstein's upset in 2006.
The victory also gave Navone his first top‑10 win at a major tournament, a milestone that will likely accelerate his rise on the ATP tour. From the start, the conditions in New York proved unforgiving. The oppressive humidity and lingering summer heat took a heavy toll on Djokovic, whose body appeared to be battling a chronic health issue that he has struggled with for years. Throughout the match, the 39‑year‑old champion suffered multiple bouts of vomiting, cramps, and severe fatigue.
He described the experience as "an awful feeling on the court" and admitted that his whole body seemed to collapse under the strain. "I didn't enjoy myself at all," Djokovic said in the post‑match interview. "My back gave out, my shoulder was hurting, and I was constantly nauseated.
I kept throwing up, and it was impossible to move the way I wanted." Statistically, Djokovic entered the match with a 42‑12 record in five‑set encounters, while Navone had never before won a five‑setter at a Grand Slam (0‑4). Yet the physical decline of the Serbian legend was evident: he struggled to chase down balls, his footwork became labored, and his serve lost its usual precision.
Navone, by contrast, displayed remarkable composure, capitalizing on every opportunity and maintaining a high level of intensity despite the marathon nature of the contest. The first set was tightly contested, with Djokovic taking an early 3‑0 lead before Navone fought back to force a tiebreak, which the Serbian ultimately won 7‑5. The momentum shifted in the second set when Djokovic's nausea intensified, and Navone seized the break to claim the set 7‑5. The third set saw Navone continue his surge, breaking again to take it 6‑4, leaving the champion trailing 1‑2 in sets.
Facing elimination, Djokovic summoned his trademark resilience. He rallied in the fourth set, breaking Navone early and serving out the set 6‑2, briefly rekindling hopes of a comeback.
However, the physical toll proved too great. In the decisive fifth set, Navone broke early and never looked back, closing the match with a dominant 6‑1 finish. The defeat sparked immediate speculation about Djokovic's future at Grand Slam events. At 39, he has already amassed 24 major titles, but the combination of age, lingering health concerns, and the brutal New York conditions may signal the twilight of his dominance.
"I don't know if this will be my last Grand Slam match," he mused, "I'm trying to fix the issue, but it's uncertain." Navone, who captured his first ATP singles title earlier in the year, expressed admiration for his opponent, saying, "Playing against the GOAT on this court is a dream. I grew up watching Novak, and to beat him here is unbelievable. It's an amazing feeling." The match also marked a historic moment for men's tennis: for the first time since 2003, none of the sport's three most successful players—Djokovic, Roger Federer, or Rafael Nadal—advanced beyond the first round of a Grand Slam. Djokovic's loss will see him drop 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.
Beyond the headline result, the match highlighted broader issues surrounding player health and tournament conditions. The US Open has long been criticized for its humid summer environment, which can exacerbate underlying medical problems.
Djokovic's repeated vomiting and cramping underscored the need for better monitoring and support for athletes facing extreme weather. In the aftermath, the Serbian champion reflected on the emotional weight of the defeat. "I was holding back tears in the fifth set," he admitted.
"I made 70 unforced errors, and every moment felt like a punishment. I despised every second I spent on the court." Meanwhile, the women's draw continued with American Sofia Kenin edging out Venus Williams in a thrilling 6‑2, 7‑6 (8‑6) victory, the match starting at 12:13 a.m. and becoming the latest‑starting women's match in US Open history.
Williams suffered her 14th consecutive singles loss, extending a slump that began after her 2019 US Open win. Djokovic's exit will undoubtedly reshape the narrative of the 2024 US Open, opening the draw for new contenders and giving Navone a chance to make a deep run. Whether the Serbian champion can recover his health and return to Grand Slam glory remains to be seen, but his legacy as one of tennis's all‑time greats is already firmly cemented.
The tournament will continue to be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available through NOW and the Sky Sports app for fans worldwide.