Djokovic eliminated by Navone in five-set US Open first-round upset
World No. 4 Novak Djokovic was beaten by Argentina's Mariano Navone in a five-set match, marking his first opening-round loss at the US Open and ending his streak in the tournament's top ten rankings.
Novak Djokovic, the 39-year-old Serbian who holds 24 major titles, lost to Argentina’s Mariano Navone 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a five-set match that lasted four hours and 36 minutes at the US Open. The defeat ended Djokovic’s unbeaten record in the tournament’s first round and marked his earliest Grand Slam exit since the 2006 Australian Open.
Djokovic, who was dealing with physical discomfort throughout the match, said he did not enjoy the experience. > "I didn't enjoy myself. It was an awful feeling on the court for me," he told reporters.
He also described ongoing health issues that have affected his play this year, including vomiting and cramping. > "It's something that I've been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year: vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there. Then my whole body starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain," Djokovic said.
Navone, a 25-year-old who captured his first ATP singles title earlier in the season, expressed excitement at competing against the sport’s most decorated player. > "It was very tough for me because you are playing with the 'GOAT' on this court. I'm very happy," he said.
The loss will drop Djokovic out of the ATP top ten for the first time since July 2018 and ensures that the US Open will be the first major since the 2003 French Open without any of the sport’s three dominant players—Djokovic, Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal—in the second round.