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 upset by Argentina’s Mariano Navone after a grueling five‑set battle. 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.
The encounter lasted four hours and 36 minutes, making it the longest first‑round match of Djokovic’s Grand Slam career and the earliest exit for a top player at a major since the 2006 Australian Open. Navone’s victory marked several notable firsts.
He became the inaugural player to topple Djokovic in a US Open first‑round match and the first to do so in any Grand Slam opening round since Paul Goldstein’s upset at the 2006 Australian Open. Moreover, Navone secured his maiden top‑10 win at a major tournament, a milestone that will undoubtedly boost his confidence and profile on the tour. The match was played under oppressive humidity, conditions that have plagued Djokovic throughout the season.
He repeatedly struggled with severe physical distress, vomiting on multiple occasions and describing a sensation of his body “collapsing.” In post‑match comments, Djokovic explained that a long‑standing health issue, exacerbated by heat and humidity, caused cramping, pain, and a failure of his back and shoulder muscles. He admitted that his body “just gave up” and expressed uncertainty about whether the problem can ever be fully resolved.
Statistically, Djokovic entered the contest with a 42‑12 record in five‑set matches, while Navone had never won a five‑setter at the top level, standing at 0‑4. Yet the Argentine’s relentless energy and tactical discipline proved too much for the ailing Serbian.
Navone, a 25‑year‑old who captured his first ATP singles title earlier this year, displayed remarkable composure, especially after the fourth set when Djokovic appeared to be cramping and moving sluggishly. The Argentine’s consistency forced Djokovic into a cascade of unforced errors—70 in total—culminating in a dramatic, midnight‑hour defeat.
The loss raises questions about Djokovic’s future at Grand Slam events. With this early exit, he is poised to drop out of the ATP top ten for the first time in eight years, a significant shift for a player long regarded as the sport’s benchmark. In the aftermath, Djokovic lamented his experience, saying, “I didn’t enjoy myself… I pretty much despised every moment I spent on the court.” His emotional response, including moments of near‑tears in the fifth set, underscored the depth of his frustration and physical discomfort.
Navone, who grew up idolising the Serbian champion, expressed awe at the opportunity to compete against the "GOAT" on such a grand stage. He praised the atmosphere of the US Open and the challenge of a five‑set duel, stating, “It’s the biggest stage, an amazing court, and I’m very happy with the result.” His victory not only propels him into the second round but also cements his place in a historic moment: the first time since 2003 that none of the sport’s modern greats—Djokovic, Roger Federer, or Rafael Nadal—advanced past the first round of a Grand Slam. The broader tournament also featured other notable storylines. American Sofia Kenin survived a fierce second‑set rally from fellow countrywoman Venus Williams, clinching the match 6‑2, 7‑6 (8‑6).
The contest began at 12:13 a.m. on Arthur Ashe Stadium, setting a record for the latest‑starting women’s match in US Open history.
For Williams, the loss extended her streak of 14 consecutive singles defeats, a slump that began after her last victory in Washington in July 2025. She has now lost six straight matches at the US Open since her opening‑round win in 2019.
Djokovic’s recent health concerns were first hinted at during his Cincinnati appearance two weeks earlier, where he collapsed to his knees and vomited into a towel. He later disclosed that a chronic condition, aggravated by heat, has been affecting him for years.
Although the New York summer was warm, it did not reach the extreme temperatures of Cincinnati, yet Djokovic’s face was already flushed and his hair soaked in sweat early in the first set, which he led 3‑0 before losing it in a tiebreak. In an effort to mitigate the heat, Djokovic successfully requested that the roof be closed and continued to fight despite repeated bouts of nausea. He managed to break Navone’s serve late in the second set, serving out the set after a brief episode of vomiting near the courtside towel box. The Serbian again fell ill midway through the third set, yet still captured a crucial break, moving one set away from victory.
Another episode of vomiting occurred at the start of the fourth set, after which he broke Navone’s serve again, only for the Argentine to rally and claim the final set. The match concluded just before midnight, leaving spectators and commentators stunned. It marked a rare moment in tennis history: the first occasion in 23 years that none of the sport’s three dominant figures—Djokovic, Federer, or Nadal—reached the second round of a Grand Slam.
As the tournament progresses, attention will turn to how Djokovic manages his health issues and whether he can return to his dominant form in future majors. Meanwhile, Navone’s triumph will be remembered as a defining breakthrough, signaling the arrival of a new contender ready to challenge the established order.