Novak Djokovic Loss: Mariano Navone Triumphs 7-6, 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1

Novak Djokovic exited the US Open in the first round for the first time ever, losing to Mariano Navone in a 4-hour, 36-minute marathon.

Novak Djokovic was eliminated from the US Open on Sunday night following a 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 defeat to Mariano Navone. The marathon match lasted 4 hours and 36 minutes, concluding just minutes before midnight local time in New York. This result marks the first time Djokovic has ever lost in the first round of the US Open, ending a streak that began 21 years ago to the day of his tournament debut. The 39-year-old Serbian, who entered as the No. 4 seed, committed 70 unforced errors during the five-set contest.

Navone, a 25-year-old from Argentina, secured his first career five-set victory against the 24-time major champion. Djokovic initially held leads of 3-0 and 4-1 in the opening set before losing it in a tiebreak, the first time he had dropped a first-round set at this event since 2006. The loss represents Djokovic's earliest exit from a Grand Slam in two decades, dating back to the 2006 Australian Open.

Physical Struggles and Medical Timeouts

Throughout the match, Djokovic dealt with significant physical ailments, including vomiting and cramping. He threw up at least once and was seen grabbing his left foot. Between the fourth and fifth sets, a doctor provided Djokovic with pills, and he received a massage on his lower back during a medical timeout. The player noted that his back and shoulder eventually failed him, preventing him from closing out the match. Djokovic described the experience as an "awful feeling" and stated he struggled from the fourth game onward.

During the fourth set, Djokovic landed awkwardly after a wide shot and dropped his racket, appearing to concede the frame. While he showed flashes of his typical form—gesturing for crowd applause after winning the third set—his body ultimately collapsed under the weight of his illnesses. His wife, Jelena, watched the decline from the stands as the match crossed the four-hour mark.

Historic Rankings and Grand Slam Impact

This defeat carries heavy historical implications for professional tennis. For the first time since the 2003 French Open, a Grand Slam second round will not feature Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, or Rafael Nadal. Additionally, Djokovic is projected to fall out of the ATP Top 10 for the first time since July 2018. The loss extends a 12-major title drought for the Serbian, matching the longest of his career, which previously occurred between the 2005 Australian Open and the 2007 US Open.

Navone, who won his first ATP singles title earlier this year, described the win on the sport's biggest stage as a dream come true. He noted the difficulty of facing the "GOAT" on the New York courts. Conversely, Djokovic admitted he despised every moment spent on the court due to his physical condition. The loss follows a recent first-round exit in Cincinnati and a Wimbledon semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner.

Uncertain Future for the 24-Time Champion

Following the match, Djokovic skipped a formal news conference, opting instead for a small group interview outside the locker room. He acknowledged that the issues with vomiting and pain have persisted throughout his matches this year. The 39-year-old expressed uncertainty regarding his future, stating he is trying to evaluate how much further he can compete while managing these recurring health problems.

Djokovic had previously hoped that his early exit in Cincinnati would provide necessary preparation time for New York. However, he admitted that opening matches at tournaments have become increasingly challenging for him. With this defeat occurring exactly 21 years after his first appearance at the US Open, questions remain as to whether this was his final performance at a Grand Slam event.