Novak Djokovic Crashes Out of US Open in Historic First-Round Defeat

Novak Djokovic has lost in the opening round of the US Open for the first time in his career, suffering a remarkable five-set defeat to Argentina’s Mariano Navone in one of the biggest shocks of the tournament’s opening day.

The 39-year-old Serbian, chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title, was beaten 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 after a grueling four-hour, 36-minute battle under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium. It is Djokovic’s earliest exit from any Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, ending a two-decade streak of surviving first-round matches at tennis’s biggest events.

For much of the night, it appeared the fourth seed would once again find a way through. After dropping a tight opening-set tiebreak, Djokovic recovered to lead by two sets to one, using his trademark resilience to edge ahead despite obvious physical discomfort. But the match changed dramatically in the fourth set as his movement slowed, his serve lost pace, and his body began to betray him.

Djokovic was visibly ill throughout the contest, vomiting on court, cramping repeatedly and struggling with back and shoulder pain during the humid New York conditions. Medical attention and medication offered only temporary relief as the 24-time major champion faded, allowing Navone to dominate the final two sets.

The victory is the biggest of Navone’s career. The 25-year-old Argentine, better known for his success on clay, showed remarkable composure against one of the sport’s greatest competitors, refusing to be intimidated by the occasion. After sealing the win, an emotional Navone described defeating the “GOAT” as a dream he never imagined would become reality.

Djokovic did not hide his frustration afterwards, admitting he has been battling health problems for much of the season. While he praised Navone’s performance, he acknowledged that his physical condition prevented him from competing at the level he expects of himself.

The defeat also rewrites a small piece of US Open history. Across more than two decades of appearances in New York, Djokovic had never previously been eliminated in the tournament’s opening round, building one of the most consistent records the event has ever seen. His latest exit comes in what had looked like another genuine opportunity to extend his Grand Slam tally.

For the US Open, Navone’s breakthrough instantly opens up a section of the men’s draw and signals the arrival of another dangerous contender capable of unsettling established names. For Djokovic, the questions now shift beyond one tournament. As age, injuries and recovery become increasingly significant factors, the defeat highlights the growing challenge of sustaining elite dominance—even for a player whose career has been defined by extraordinary longevity