NEW YORK: Novak Djokovic’s US Open campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion Monday as the 39-year-old Serbian broke down in tears after a four-hour first-round battle with Mariano Navone.
Navone defeated Djokovic 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, handing the 24-time Grand Slam champion his first opening-round loss at the US Open since 2006.
Djokovic appeared to be struggling physically throughout the match. He vomited on court and dealt with leg cramps, pain and other physical problems as the contest stretched beyond four hours.
The loss came as Djokovic was seeking a record 25th Grand Slam title and marked only the third time in his career that he has been eliminated in the first round of a major tournament.
Djokovic took the opening set in a tiebreaker, but Navone responded by winning the second. The Serbian regained the lead in the third set before his physical condition deteriorated.
Navone then took control, winning the fourth set 6-2 and the deciding set 6-1 to complete a major comeback.
Djokovic reveals serious health concerns
Speaking after the match, Djokovic said his physical problems have been affecting him throughout the season.
“I think it was evident that it was a horrible feeling for me on the court,” Djokovic said. “It’s something that, unfortunately, I have been dragging through practically every match this year.”
He said vomiting and feeling sick had become a serious concern before his body began to break down.
“Then my whole body basically starts to collapse, with cramps and pain,” Djokovic said.
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Djokovic also said his back and shoulder problems prevented him from finishing strongly.
“My back finally said enough, and so did my shoulder, and I couldn’t close out the match,” he said.
Navone completes four-set comeback
Navone, a 24-year-old Argentine, stayed composed as Djokovic struggled and took advantage of the Serbian’s declining physical condition.
Despite the painful defeat, Djokovic acknowledged Navone’s performance and congratulated him.
“I don’t want to take too much credit away from his victory,” Djokovic said. “I congratulate him. He’s a good guy, a fighter, but I didn’t enjoy it.”
Rare early exit for Djokovic
The defeat marked Djokovic’s first first-round loss at the US Open since 2006, when he was 18. It was only his third opening-round defeat at a Grand Slam.
The loss also ended Djokovic’s 84th Grand Slam tournament appearance without adding to his record 24 major titles.
Djokovic won Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Games and captured his 101st ATP title in Athens in late 2025.
His latest exit leaves his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title on hold while raising fresh questions about how his physical struggles could affect the remainder of his career.
