Novak Djokovic suffers shock first-round exit at 2026 US Open
Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title ended abruptly on Monday when Argentina’s Mariano Navone defeated him in the first round of the US Open.
The 39-year-old Serbian fell 7-6 (5), 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-1 to the world number 49 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The match concluded just before midnight local time and marked Djokovic’s first opening-round defeat at a major tournament since the 2006 Australian Open.
Djokovic showed signs of severe physical distress throughout the five-set encounter. Despite fighting back to claim the second and third sets after dropping a tight opening tiebreaker, his overall physical condition rapidly deteriorated.
Medical staff treated his lower back midway through the match as he battled visible cramping. Onlookers also reported seeing the four-time US Open champion vomiting multiple times courtside during the third set. He had previously disclosed dealing with a health condition that significantly worsens in high heat and humidity.
Novak Djokovic with the literal "puke & rally" pic.twitter.com/qRLTDpgHxf
— Will Stunting (@willstunting) August 31, 2026
A historic upset for Navone
Navone entered the late-night contest as a relative unknown to casual tennis fans. Before this week, the 25-year-old had only secured a single ATP tour title and had never progressed past the third round of any Grand Slam event. However, he capitalised on his opponent’s fading stamina to dominate the latter stages of the match.
The Argentine took full control in the fourth set, breaking Djokovic’s serve comfortably to force a decider. The final set proved entirely one-sided as the exhausted veteran failed to mount any significant resistance. Navone maintained his composure to secure the 6-1 finish, completing the biggest victory of his professional career.
Novak Djokovic looks very emotional down 1-3 in the 5th set against Navone at the US Open.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 31, 2026
Definitely in pain physically, but these also look like emotional tears.
4+ hours at 39 years old.
The New York crowd is trying to give him a push for another heroic comeback.
🥹 pic.twitter.com/QsZqF0Z04o
This early exit shatters a remarkable two-decade streak of first-round major victories for the former world number one. His only previous opening-round elimination at Flushing Meadows occurred during the 2005 tournament.
