Novak Djokovic suffered a historic defeat at the US Open, falling 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 to Argentina’s Mariano Navone after an exhausting 4-hour and 36-minute battle at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. The stunning opening-round exit marks the first time in over two decades that the 24-time Grand Slam champion has bowed out in the initial stage of a major tournament, bringing an abrupt and physical end to his Flushing Meadows campaign.
A Historic Collapse in the New York Humidity
Playing in oppressive humidity that forced tournament officials to close the stadium roof during the match, Djokovic visibly struggled to maintain his stamina. The 39-year-old tennis star appeared sluggish early on, dropping a crucial service game before requesting medical assistance. Medical staff provided a pill and massaged his lower back, but the physical distress worsened as the match wore on; Djokovic suffered bouts of vomiting and was seen shedding tears on the court as Navone seized control of the match.
“The body simply stopped responding,” reports indicate, as the physical toll of a long career caught up with the veteran champion in real time. It also halts his bid for a 25th Grand Slam title, which would break a tie with Margaret Court in the all-time major singles titles list.
Mariano Navone Seizes the Moment
Across the net, 25-year-old Mariano Navone played the match of his life. Ranked No. 49 in the world, the Argentine capitalised on Djokovic’s visible distress. Navone, whose previous best Grand Slam result was a third-round appearance at Roland Garros in 2025, kept his composure as the match stretched toward midnight in New York.
The turning point arrived in the fourth set when Djokovic surrendered a service break during a grueling 12-minute game. That slip triggered a devastating 0-8 run for the Serbian star, completely shifting momentum. Navone swept through the fifth set in dominant fashion, as Djokovic ceded 11 of the final 12 games played to secure the victory.
Family Support and Crowd Ovation
The emotional weight of the evening was underlined by the presence of Djokovic’s family in the player box. His wife, Jelena, alongside their children Stefan and Tara, watched anxiously from the stands as he battled both his opponent and his own physical limits. When Djokovic managed to put the score at 1-3 in the final set, the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd offered a sustained, affectionate ovation for the four-time tournament champion, prompting visible emotion from the veteran.
The loss also marks a significant milestone for Argentine tennis, representing the first time an Argentine player has defeated Djokovic at a Grand Slam since Guillermo Coria secured a win at Roland Garros in 2005. With the upset complete, Navone advances to the next round of the tournament, where he will face either Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka or Italy’s Matteo Berrettini.
What Lies Ahead
Having played only seven tournaments this season to focus on the major championships, the loss forces an unexpected and extended break. While the competitor has expressed a desire to be the representative of Serbia at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, this physical breakdown in New York leaves his immediate tournament future subject to review.
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