Novak Djokovic's pursuit of continued greatness at the U.S. Open was halted Sunday night as he suffered a shocking first-round elimination, losing in straight sets to Argentina's Mariano Navone. Djokovic, 39, was defeated 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
Djokovic struggled throughout the match, recording 10 double faults and 70 unforced errors. He explained after the match that he was dealing with significant physical ailments. "It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year: vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there," Djokovic said. "Then my whole body 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."
The first-round exit marks a first for Djokovic at the U.S. Open, a tournament he has won three times. He entered the 2026 event as the fourth seed. Despite battling back into the match, he was unable to secure the victory against Navone.
"Just struggled all the way since the fourth game of the match," Djokovic added. "When it comes to match itself and overall feeling of how I felt with (my) body and playing, it was really not enjoyable. I pretty much despised every moment that I spent on the court for that."
Navone, 25, who idolizes Djokovic, described the win as bittersweet. "(It) was very tough for me because you are playing with the ‘GOAT’ on this court," he said. "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. I don’t know. What can I say?"
Navone won his first career ATP tournament earlier this year in Romania.