Novak Djokovic’s quest for a historic 25th Grand Slam title came to an abrupt and startling halt at the 2026 US Open, where he was defeated in the opening round by Argentina’s Mariano Navone. The 39‑year‑old Serbian, who entered the tournament aiming to become the first player ever to claim 25 major crowns, was forced to retire after a marathon five‑set encounter that lasted four hours and 36 minutes. Navone, the world No.
49, emerged victorious with a scoreline of 7‑6 (7‑5), 5‑7, 4‑6, 6‑2, 6‑1, delivering one of the most shocking upsets in recent Grand Slam history. The match proved to be the longest first‑round contest of Djokovic’s career at a major, and it marked his earliest departure from a Grand Slam since his loss at the 2006 Australian Open. It also made Navone the first player ever to defeat Djokovic in the opening round of the US Open, and the first to do so in the first round of any Grand Slam since Paul Goldstein’s surprise win at the 2006 Australian Open. In addition, Navone notched his inaugural top‑10 victory at a major tournament, a milestone that will likely boost his confidence and ranking.
From the outset, the New York heat and oppressive humidity took a visible toll on Djokovic. While he began the first set strongly, racing to a 3‑0 lead, the conditions soon began to sap his stamina. By the time the set reached a tiebreak, Djokovic’s face was flushed, his hair slick with sweat, and he was already showing signs of distress.
The Serbian legend managed to clinch the opening set, but the physical strain was evident. Throughout the match he suffered multiple bouts of vomiting, a symptom he later confirmed stemmed from a chronic health issue that has plagued him for years, particularly in hot, humid environments. The second set saw Navone rally, breaking Djokovic’s serve to take the set 7‑5.
The third set continued in a similar vein, with the Argentine pushing the Serbian into a 6‑4 loss. By the fourth set, Djokovic’s condition had deteriorated further. He vomited again, his back and shoulder began to cramp, and his movement became labored. Despite these setbacks, he managed to capture the fourth set 6‑2, momentarily reviving hopes of a comeback.
However, the fifth set was a stark contrast. Djokovic’s body appeared to collapse under the combined weight of fatigue, dehydration, and his lingering health problem.
He described the sensation as "cramping and pain" that spread through his back and shoulder, rendering him virtually immobile. Navone, sensing his opponent’s vulnerability, pressed forward and secured the final set 6‑1, sealing a dramatic upset that sent shockwaves through the tennis world. In the post‑match interview, a visibly exhausted Djokovic admitted, "I didn't enjoy myself at all.
It was an awful feeling on the court. My whole body started to collapse, I was cramping, my back gave up, and I kept vomiting.
I don’t know if this issue can ever be fixed. I'm trying, but it’s a battle every match this year." His words underscored the severity of his condition and raised questions about his future in Grand Slam competition.
The loss also guarantees that Djokovic will slip out of the ATP top ten for the first time in eight years, ending a remarkable run that has defined men’s tennis for over a decade. Navone, who idolized Djokovic growing up, expressed admiration for his opponent despite the victory: "Playing against the GOAT on this court was an incredible experience. It’s the biggest stage, and I’m grateful for the chance.
Winning in five sets against a legend like Novak is something I’ll never forget." The 25‑year‑old Argentine, who captured his first ATP singles title earlier in the year, now finds himself thrust into the global spotlight, his name forever linked with one of the most unexpected early exits in recent Grand Slam history. The match also marked a historic moment for the sport: for the first time since 2003, none of the three dominant figures of the modern era—Djokovic, Roger Federer, or Rafael Nadal—advanced beyond the first round of a major tournament. This shift signals a potential changing of the guard, as younger players like Navone seize opportunities to challenge the established hierarchy.
Beyond the immediate drama, Djokovic’s health concerns have sparked broader discussion about player welfare in extreme weather conditions. The US Open, traditionally played in late summer, often subjects competitors to high temperatures and humidity. While the tournament has a retractable roof on the main court, Navone’s victory demonstrates that even technological safeguards cannot fully mitigate the physiological challenges faced by athletes.
In the days following the match, analysts speculated on the implications for Djokovic’s career. Some suggested he might need to adjust his schedule, perhaps skipping events that feature extreme heat, while others wondered whether he would consider a more permanent reduction in his playing load. Regardless of the path he chooses, the episode serves as a stark reminder that even the most dominant athletes are vulnerable to the physical limits of the human body. The US Open continues to broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available through NOW and the Sky Sports app for fans worldwide.
As the tournament progresses, attention will now shift to the next round, where other contenders will vie for the title, aware that the unexpected can happen at any moment on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. In summary, Novak Djokovic’s early exit at the 2026 US Open was a confluence of relentless humidity, a chronic health issue, and an inspired performance by Mariano Navone. The five‑set battle, lasting nearly five hours, not only ended the Serbian’s bid for a record‑breaking 25th major but also highlighted the physical demands of modern tennis and the ever‑present possibility of upsets, even against the sport’s greatest champions.