New York: Novak Djokovic’s latest bid for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title came to a dramatic end at the US Open after the 39-year-old Serbian great suffered a shock first-round defeat to Argentina’s Mariano Navone.
The fourth-seeded Djokovic lost 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a physically demanding encounter at Arthur Ashe Stadium, ending one of the most remarkable Grand Slam runs of his career.
The defeat was particularly significant as it marked the first time Djokovic had been beaten in the opening round of the US Open and his first opening-round defeat at a Grand Slam tournament since 2006.
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, fought hard despite struggling throughout the match in the humid New York conditions. He appeared nauseous during several stages of the contest and at one point had to vomit into a towel bin.
After eventually losing the deciding set, Djokovic was visibly emotional and broke down in tears as the significance of the defeat appeared to sink in.
Djokovic Struggles Physically in Humid New York Conditions
Djokovic made an encouraging start, breaking Navone’s serve early to establish a 2-0 lead. However, his physical problems quickly became apparent as the opening set progressed.
A long rally appeared to drain the Serbian’s energy, after which his serve and groundstrokes began to lose their usual speed and accuracy.
Djokovic called for medical assistance during the first set and appeared increasingly uncomfortable as the humid conditions took their toll. He repeatedly bent over between points and struggled to recover after rallies.
Navone remained composed and eventually took the opening set in a tie-break after one hour and 13 minutes.
The Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd grew increasingly concerned as Djokovic continued to look distressed.
Djokovic Shows His Trademark Fighting Spirit
Despite his physical struggles, Djokovic refused to surrender.
The Serbian improved as the conditions became cooler under the roof and began creating opportunities against Navone. After missing break chances earlier in the second set, Djokovic finally broke for a 6-5 lead before serving out the set to level the match.
Djokovic appeared even more animated at the beginning of the third set, raising hopes that he had regained his rhythm.
He then capitalised on a poor service game from Navone to break for 5-4 and served successfully to take a two-sets-to-one lead.
For a player with Djokovic’s experience, such a position would traditionally have been the moment to take control of the match.
But this time, his body could not keep pace with his competitive instincts.
Navone Takes Advantage as Djokovic Fades
The fourth set proved to be the turning point.
Djokovic’s movement deteriorated, while Navone continued to maintain his intensity. What had been a closely contested match suddenly began moving decisively in the Argentine’s favour.
Navone won the fourth set 6-2, forcing Djokovic into a deciding fifth set.
The 25-year-old Argentine then dominated the final set, winning it 6-1 to complete one of the biggest victories of his career.
Navone, ranked 49th in the world, had never progressed beyond the second round at the US Open before this match.
Djokovic Reveals Serious Physical Issue
Following the defeat, Djokovic acknowledged the severity of the physical problems he had experienced.
The Serbian revealed that vomiting and other physical symptoms have affected him repeatedly during matches this year, particularly in oppressive conditions.
He explained that his body eventually began to collapse, with cramping and pain affecting his back and shoulder.
Djokovic had experienced a similar problem at the Cincinnati Open two weeks earlier, where he suffered a surprise early defeat to fellow Argentine Thiago Tirante.
The repeated difficulties on North American hard courts have raised fresh questions about whether age is beginning to affect Djokovic’s ability to recover and compete at the highest level.
Emotional End to Djokovic’s US Open Campaign
After the match, Djokovic showed his trademark sportsmanship by congratulating Navone and acknowledging the Argentine’s performance.
He managed a smile as he shook hands with his opponent, but the emotion quickly returned.
As Djokovic walked back towards the locker room, he appeared close to tears once again, bringing an emotional conclusion to a difficult night in New York.
“I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me,” Djokovic said after the match.
He also congratulated Navone, describing him as a fighter, while admitting that he had struggled to enjoy the contest.
End of Another Record-Breaking Pursuit
The defeat ends Djokovic’s latest attempt to win a standalone record 25th Grand Slam singles title.
A 25th major would have moved him ahead of Australia’s Margaret Court on the all-time Grand Slam singles list.
The loss is also notable because Djokovic had reached at least the semi-finals at six of the previous seven Grand Slam tournaments heading into the US Open.
His early exit therefore represents a major change from the consistency he has displayed throughout his extraordinary career.
What Comes Next for Novak Djokovic?
Djokovic’s US Open defeat is likely to fuel further discussion about his future at the highest level of tennis.
The Serbian remains one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, but his physical struggles in New York—and the similar problems he experienced in Cincinnati—provide a worrying indication of the challenges he faces as he continues competing at 39.
For Navone, meanwhile, the victory represents a defining moment in his career and a breakthrough on one of tennis’s biggest stages.
Mariano Navone’s victory over Novak Djokovic will go down as one of the biggest upsets of the US Open, while Djokovic’s emotional exit leaves the 24-time Grand Slam champion facing fresh questions about what comes next.
