Djokovic eliminated in U.S. Open first round by Argentina's Navone

Novak Djokovic was defeated in the first round of the U.S. Open on Sunday, losing 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 to Argentina’s Mariano Navone in a match that lasted four hours and 36 minutes. The loss ended a 77-match streak of first-round victories at Grand Slam events, the longest such run since Djokovic’s early exit at the 2006 Australian Open.

Djokovic told reporters after the match that he experienced vomiting, cramping and a general collapse of his body during play. > "An awful feeling on the court for me. It’s something that I’ve been carrying unfortunately pretty much every match this year. Vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there. And then my whole body starts to collapse. Cramping, pain. The back just gave up in the end, and the shoulder, and I couldn’t close it out," he said.

Navone, ranked inside the top 50, capitalized on Djokovic’s deteriorating condition, breaking serve in the final set and securing the win. Djokovic, 39, had taken an early lead but began to struggle after the seventh game of the third set, when he vomited on court. He attempted to shorten points, but longer rallies favored Navone.

The Serbian’s recent schedule includes a semifinal appearance at Wimbledon and a first-round loss at the Cincinnati Open, where he also cited a lingering medical issue. Ahead of the U.S. Open, Djokovic said a two-week training period was intended to prepare his body and mind for the tournament’s best-of-five format.

The defeat raises questions about Djokovic’s ability to endure the physical demands of major events as he approaches 40, a milestone that few all-time greats have sustained at a high level.