Mariano Navone Upsets Novak Djokovic in Five-Set US Open Opener

Novak Djokovic suffered his first opening-round Grand Slam loss in 20 years, falling to Mariano Navone 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.

Mariano Navone defeated 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 on Sunday night at the US Open. The match lasted four hours and 35 minutes, marking the first time the 39-year-old Djokovic has lost in the opening round of a major tournament since the 2006 Australian Open. Navone, a 25-year-old from Argentina, secured the victory by winning 11 of the final 12 games. During the contest, Djokovic vomited courtside several times and required a medical timeout for a back issue prior to the start of the fifth set.

Djokovic converted only four of the 12 break points he generated, while Navone saved eight of those opportunities to maintain his lead. The opening set alone took one hour and 15 minutes, concluding in a tiebreak that Navone claimed 7-5. Despite leading 4-1 in the first set, Djokovic struggled with his physical condition, which he later attributed to a health issue that flares up in humid environments. The Serbian player entered the tournament with minimal match practice, having played only once since his Wimbledon semifinal run—a loss in his opening match at Cincinnati.

Physical Struggles and Match Progression

After dropping the first set, Djokovic rallied to take the second 7-5 and the third 6-4. He appeared to be in control after breaking Navone to lead 2-1 in the fourth set. However, his physical state deteriorated rapidly as he began bending double and struggling to breathe. Navone capitalized on this decline, extending rallies and forcing the veteran to hit extra balls. The Argentinian broke Djokovic six times throughout the match, eventually pulling away as the 39-year-old's serve speed dropped significantly due to visible pain.

Djokovic described the experience as "really not enjoyable," stating he "despised every moment" spent on the court during the match. By the start of the fifth set, he was fighting back tears and looked in severe pain during the final set and a half. Navone, who had never won a five-set match or advanced past the third round of a Grand Slam prior to this event, showed resilience by holding firm when Djokovic briefly cut the fifth-set deficit to 3-1.

Historic Implications for the Draw

This result marks the first time since 2003 that a Grand Slam second round will not feature Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, or Rafael Nadal. The loss leaves the bottom half of the draw open, especially with Jannik Sinner out and Carlos Alcaraz returning from a four-month absence due to a wrist injury. Potential beneficiaries in this section include American players Frances Tiafoe and Brandon Nakashima, as well as former champion Daniil Medvedev. No American man has won the US Open title since Andy Roddick in 2003.

Future Outlook for the 24-Time Champion

Despite the early exit, Djokovic has previously reached the Australian Open final and Wimbledon semifinals in 2026 with limited match practice. He has expressed interest in competing at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, though he acknowledged that his quest for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title is now more difficult. Following the match, he offered Navone a warm handshake and complimentary words at the net. Navone now advances to the second round, having secured the biggest victory of his career against the world's most decorated major champion.