Djokovic eliminated in US Open first round after five-set loss to Navone

Novak Djokovic was ousted from the US Open on Sunday night after a five-set defeat to Argentina's Mariano Navone, 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1. The match, which lasted 4 hours and 36 minutes, was the longest opening-round Grand Slam match of Djokovic's career and his earliest exit from the tournament in two decades.

Djokovic, 39, said he felt “an awful feeling on the court” and described ongoing physical issues, including vomiting and cramping, that have affected his play this year. He received medical assistance during the match, including a back massage and medication, after experiencing pain in his left foot and lower back.

The Serbian, a record holder with 24 major titles, committed 70 unforced errors and struggled to maintain his early leads, eventually losing the final two sets. Navone, 25, secured his first Grand Slam win, calling the victory “a dream come true” and noting the significance of playing against the sport’s most decorated player.

The loss follows a first-round defeat at the Cincinnati hard-court event earlier in the month and raises questions about Djokovic’s ability to compete at the highest level in upcoming tournaments.

“I didn’t enjoy myself,” Djokovic said. “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.” “(It) was very tough for me because you are playing with the ‘GOAT’ on this court,” Navone added.