Novak Djokovic faced a stunning first-round exit at the US Open, falling to Argentina’s Mariano Navone 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 on the iconic stage of Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. The four-hour, 36-minute defeat snapped a 78-match first-round Grand Slam winning streak for the 39-year-old, intensifying ongoing questions about his physical endurance and future on the professional tour.
Physical Struggles and On-Court Distress
From the opening games, the match exposed the physical vulnerabilities that have shadowed Djokovic through much of the season. After sprinting to an early 3-0 and 4-1 lead in the first set, the 24-time Grand Slam champion began to unravel under a wave of 70 unforced errors and visible distress. Djokovic looked lethargic during the grueling encounter, taking pills, vomiting during the third set, and moving slowly between changeovers.
The scene echoed similar health concerns from earlier in the month. During his match at the Cincinnati Open against Thiago Agustin Tirante, Djokovic suffered a similar physical collapse in the heat and humidity, later revealing that he has been managing a condition health-wise for the past couple of years.
“I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me,” Djokovic said. “It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year. You know, vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there. Then my whole body, you know, starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain. Yeah, the back just gave up in the end and shoulder, and I couldn’t close it out.”
Mariano Navone Seizes Opportunity
Across the net, the 49th-ranked Navone capitalized on Djokovic’s physical decline by extending rallies and forcing the veteran into grueling exchanges that often exceeded 20 shots. Despite dropping the second and third sets, the Argentine fighter maintained pressure, breaking decisively in the fourth and fifth sets to secure the victory.
“It was very tough for me because you are playing with the ‘GOAT’ on this court,” Navone said after the match. “For sure it’s the best thing I’ve had on court. This is an amazing court and the biggest stage. It’s amazing, the way we play. I mean, five sets… I’m very happy.”
The loss marks Djokovic’s earliest exit at a major tournament since the 2006 Australian Open and his first loss in the two rounds at the US Open, where he previously won his previous 37 such matches. Navone advances to face the winner of the match between Matteo Berrettini and Stan Wawrinka.
Tour Implications and Outlook
The stunning early exit reshapes the men’s singles draw at the tournament, which had already seen world No. 1 and reigning Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner withdraw with a knee injury, alongside defending champion Carlos Alcaraz returning from a four-month layoff due to a wrist injury.
With another Grand Slam tournament concluding without the elusive 25th major title, attention now turns to how Djokovic evaluates his schedule and recovery moving forward. Official tournament schedules indicate Navone will continue his campaign in the second round on September 2.
