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 beaten by Argentina’s rising star Mariano Navone in a marathon five‑set encounter. The 39‑year‑old Serbian, who entered the tournament hoping to add a fifth US Open crown to his résumé, collapsed under the strain of oppressive humidity and a lingering health issue that has plagued him all season. He ultimately fell 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, a match that stretched to four hours and 36 minutes, marking the longest first‑round match of his Grand Slam career and his earliest departure from a major since the 2006 Australian Open. Navone, the world No.
49, achieved several milestones with the victory. He became the first player ever to defeat Djokovic in the opening round of the US Open, the first to do so in the first round of any Grand Slam since Paul Goldstein’s upset at the 2006 Australian Open, and secured his inaugural top‑10 win at a major tournament. The Argentine, who had previously struggled to close out five‑set matches (0‑4 before this win), displayed remarkable resilience, especially as Djokovic’s physical condition deteriorated. Throughout the contest, Djokovic’s body betrayed him.
He experienced severe cramping, persistent nausea, and multiple episodes of vomiting. At times he could barely move, and his back and shoulder gave way, forcing him to rely on sheer willpower rather than skill.
In post‑match interviews, he described the experience as “awful” and admitted that his body felt as if it were “collapsing.” He also revealed that the same health problem—one that has haunted him for years and flares up in hot, humid environments—has been a constant companion throughout the season, affecting every match he has played. The match’s narrative shifted dramatically after the first set. Djokovic started strongly, leading 3‑0, but Navone fought back to force a tiebreak, which the Serbian edged 7‑5. The second set saw Navine level the score, and the third set gave him the momentum to take a 2‑1 lead in sets.
Djokovic managed to rally in the fourth, breaking Navone’s serve to claim the set 6‑2, but his energy was clearly waning. By the fifth set, Navone’s confidence was soaring, while Djokovic was visibly exhausted, eventually conceding the final set 6‑1.
The atmosphere in Arthur Ashe Stadium was electric, with the match starting just after midnight, making it the latest‑starting women’s match in US Open history and a night that will be remembered for its dramatic upset. Navone, who captured his first ATP singles title earlier in the year, expressed his admiration for his opponent, saying, “It was a huge honor to play against the GOAT on this court. I grew up watching him, and to beat him here is a dream come true.” Djokovic’s defeat also carries broader implications for his career trajectory. The loss will likely see him drop out of the ATP top ten for the first time in eight years, a stark reminder of how physical health can impact even the most dominant athletes.
Moreover, his early exit adds him to a short list of greats—Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal—who have never progressed beyond the second round of a Grand Slam since 2003. In the broader context of the tournament, the US Open continues to deliver compelling storylines.
American Sofia Kenin held off a late surge from Venus Williams, winning 6‑2, 7‑6 (8‑6) in a match that began at 12:13 am, the latest start for a women’s match in the event’s history. Williams suffered her 14th consecutive singles loss, a streak that began after her last victory in Washington in July 2025, and she has now lost six straight matches at the US Open since her 2019 triumph.
Djokovic’s health concerns were first hinted at in Cincinnati, where he collapsed to his knees and vomited into a towel after a loss to Thiago Tirante. He later disclosed that a chronic condition, exacerbated by heat and humidity, has been affecting him for many years.
While the New York heat was not as extreme as Cincinnati’s, his cheeks were flushed and his hair soaked in sweat early in the first set. He even requested the roof to be closed to mitigate the conditions, but the relief was insufficient. Despite the setbacks, Djokovic’s determination was evident. After vomiting near the courtside towel box, he fought back to break Navone’s serve at 6‑5 in the second set and eventually held serve to win the set.
He repeated this pattern in the third and fourth sets, breaking serve each time despite feeling ill and cramping. However, the cumulative toll of dehydration, muscle fatigue, and nausea proved too great, and Navone capitalized on the Serbian’s diminishing mobility. The match concluded just before midnight, with Djokovic admitting, “I didn’t enjoy myself at all. I despised every moment on the court.” He added that his body had been in a constant state of distress, making it impossible to play with his usual intensity.
Navone, humbled yet elated, praised the experience, noting, “Playing on this stage against the best is amazing. I’m very happy with the result.” As the US Open progresses, the tournament will continue to be broadcast live on Sky Sports and streamed contract‑free via NOW, offering fans around the world the chance to follow the unfolding drama.
Djokovic’s future at Grand Slam events remains uncertain, but his legacy as one of the sport’s all‑time greats is firmly entrenched, even as he confronts the physical challenges that may signal the twilight of his dominance.