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The 2026 US Open delivered one of the biggest upsets in recent tennis history as Novak Djokovic suffered his first-ever opening-round loss at Flushing Meadows.
The 39-year-old Serbian superstar was defeated by Mariano Navone in a dramatic five-set marathon that lasted 4 hours and 36 minutes, marking Djokovic's earliest Grand Slam exit in 20 years.
The Argentine held his nerve under the New York lights to claim a memorable 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 victory, creating the biggest win of his career.
A painful night for Djokovic
What began as a promising start quickly turned into a frustrating evening for the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Djokovic raced into early leads but struggled physically throughout the contest. During the match, he appeared to vomit, suffered cramping, received medical treatment for his lower back, and took medication while trying to continue.
After the defeat, the Serbian admitted he never felt comfortable on court.
“I didn't enjoy myself. It was an awful feeling on the court.”
His performance reflected those struggles, as he committed 70 unforced errors and was unable to match Navone's energy in the decisive final sets.
A historic upset at Flushing Meadows
The loss ended several remarkable streaks that had defined Djokovic's legendary career.
Records broken
First-ever first-round loss at the US Open.
First opening-round Grand Slam defeat since the 2006 Australian Open.
End of a 78-match Grand Slam opening-round winning streak, the longest by any man in the Open Era.
Longest opening-round match of Djokovic's Grand Slam career.
The result also means the 2026 US Open became the first major tournament since the 2003 French Open without Djokovic, Roger Federer, or Rafael Nadal appearing in the second round.
Mariano Navone's career-defining moment
For 25-year-old Mariano Navone, the victory was nothing short of extraordinary.
The Argentine, who grew up idolizing Djokovic, described the experience as the greatest moment of his career.
It was also his:
First career five-set ATP Tour victory.
Second win over a Top-10 player.
Biggest triumph on tennis' grandest stage.
Despite facing one of the sport's greatest champions, Navone remained composed as Djokovic's physical issues became more pronounced, dominating the final two sets.
Injury concerns raise questions about Djokovic's future
Djokovic revealed that recurring health problems have troubled him throughout the season.
He explained that episodes of vomiting, cramping, back pain, and shoulder discomfort have repeatedly affected his performances.
The defeat also continues a difficult stretch in 2026, following an early loss in Cincinnati and a Wimbledon semifinal defeat to Jannik Sinner.
Another significant consequence is that Djokovic is expected to fall outside the ATP Top 10 for the first time since 2018, highlighting a challenging period in one of tennis' greatest careers.
What comes next?
With Djokovic now enduring 12 consecutive Grand Slam tournaments without winning a title, questions naturally arise about his future at the highest level.
While the Serbian stopped short of discussing retirement, he admitted he must evaluate his physical condition before deciding how much longer he can continue competing.
For now, the spotlight belongs to Mariano Navone, whose unforgettable victory will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the 2026 US Open.
Match Result
Player | Score |
|---|---|
Mariano Navone | 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 |
Novak Djokovic | Lost |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Novak Djokovic lose in the first round of the US Open?
Djokovic struggled with vomiting, cramping, back pain, and shoulder discomfort during the match while committing 70 unforced errors, allowing Mariano Navone to capitalize.
Has Djokovic ever lost in the first round of the US Open before?
No. This was his first-ever opening-round defeat at the US Open.
Who is Mariano Navone?
Mariano Navone is a 25-year-old Argentine tennis player who earned the biggest victory of his career by defeating Novak Djokovic in five sets.
How long did the match last?
The match lasted 4 hours and 36 minutes, making it the longest opening-round Grand Slam match of Djokovic's career.
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