In a stunning turn of events at the 2026 US Open, Novak Djokovic faced an unprecedented defeat, losing in the first round for the first time in his illustrious career. The 39-year-old, who has secured 24 Grand Slam titles, succumbed to Mariano Navone from Argentina in a grueling five-set match that lasted nearly four and a half hours, concluding with a score of 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
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This loss marks Djokovic’s earliest exit from a Grand Slam tournament since he fell in the first round of the Australian Open back in January 2006. The match took place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City and will be remembered not only for Djokovic’s unexpected defeat but also for the physical challenges he faced during the contest.
Djokovic’s performance was marred by a series of physical struggles, including symptoms of cramping and vomiting. Reports indicated that he threw up at least once during the match, and he was seen grimacing and battling through considerable discomfort. At one point, he was provided medication by a doctor and received a back massage during a medical timeout, as he sought relief from the discomfort that plagued him throughout the match.
In a candid post-match reflection, Djokovic expressed his dissatisfaction with the experience, noting, “I didn’t enjoy myself. It was an awful feeling on the court for me.” Despite taking early leads in the first set, he was unable to maintain momentum, ultimately leading to his defeat—the first time he has lost in the first round of the US Open since his debut in 2006.
The Serbian star managed to accumulate a staggering number of unforced errors during the match, tallying up to 70, and it became apparent that his physical state was deteriorating as the contest progressed. Djokovic shared, “It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year: vomiting, throwing up… my whole body starts to collapse… Yeah, the back just gave up in the end, and shoulder, and I couldn’t close it out.”
Adding a further emotional layer to the occasion, this match coincided with the 21st anniversary of Djokovic’s debut at the US Open, creating an atmosphere of sentiment and reflection regarding his storied career. Following the loss, he voiced uncertainty about the future, stating he was “trying to address really what’s going on and how far I can go this way.”
For Navone, the victory represented a career highlight. The 25-year-old, who had grown up idolising Djokovic, expressed the significance of playing against the tennis legend. “It was very tough for me because you are playing with the ‘GOAT’ on this court,” he said. “This is an amazing court and the biggest stage. It’s amazing, the way we play.”
As Djokovic grapples with his ongoing health concerns, compounded by the intensely humid conditions of the tournament, questions regarding his participation in future events loom large. In preceding weeks, he disclosed to reporters that he had been battling a chronic health issue; a revelation that followed his second-round exit at the Cincinnati Open, where he suffered a dramatic incapacitation during the match.
“I’ve been dealing with it for many years now,” Djokovic explained, addressing how factors such as humidity exacerbate his condition. This ongoing struggle has led him to contemplate his future in the sport, as he admitted that returning to tournaments such as Cincinnati seemed increasingly unlikely.
While the outcome of Djokovic’s latest match raises questions about his future, the tennis world remains hopeful for the resilience and fortitude he has displayed throughout his career. As one of the sport’s most accomplished players, his journey has undoubtedly captivated many, and the hope is that he can navigate this challenging chapter in a way that allows him to continue contributing to the sport he has enriched for nearly two decades.
As the dust settles on this year’s US Open, the final moments of Djokovic’s match have left not only fans but also sports pundits contemplating what lies ahead for the champion. The uncertainty surrounding his health and performance has become a talking point in the tennis community, sparking discussion about the challenges faced by athletes even at the pinnacle of their professions.