Djokovic eliminated in first round of U.S. Open by Navone
World No. 49 Mariano Navone defeated Novak Djokovic in five sets, marking Djokovic's first opening-round loss at a major in over two decades.
Novak Djokovic was beaten 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 by Argentina's Mariano Navone in the first round of the U.S. Open on Sunday. The 25-year-old, ranked No. 49, was making his third main-draw appearance at the tournament and overcame the 39-year-old Serbian in a five-set match that saw Djokovic experience repeated bouts of vomiting and physical distress.
Djokovic, who has not lost in the opening round of a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, said after the match that he has been dealing with a health issue that causes vomiting and severe fatigue, adding that his back and shoulder gave out during the later stages. > "It's something that I've been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year," he told reporters.
The loss follows a similar collapse at the Cincinnati Open in August, where Djokovic also withdrew after vomiting and cited a lingering health condition that hampers his performance in hot, humid conditions. Navone remained composed throughout, capitalising on Djokovic's reduced mobility to secure the victory.
Djokovic, who competes selectively in tour events and focuses on the majors, had reached at least the semifinals in six of his last seven Grand Slam tournaments before this defeat. With Jannik Sinner absent due to injury and Carlos Alcaraz returning from a wrist problem, the early exit removes a potential contender for the title.