NEW YORK — Novak Djokovic's journey at the U.S. Open came to an unexpected and heart-wrenching end on Sunday night, as he fell to Argentine player Mariano Navone in the first round. The match concluded with a score of 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, creating a marathon that lasted four hours and 36 minutes. This defeat signifies Djokovic's earliest exit from a Grand Slam tournament in two decades, with his last first-round loss dating back to the 2006 Australian Open. Notably, it marked the first time Djokovic has lost in the first round at the U.S. Open, where he has been a dominant force throughout his career.
Djokovic, the 39-year-old Serbian player and record holder of 24 major titles, appeared to struggle against physical ailments and internal challenges throughout the match. He expressed disappointment post-game, stating, “I didn’t enjoy myself. I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me.” Throughout the match, Djokovic encountered multiple physical issues, including vomiting and cramping, which ultimately hindered his performance on the court.
During the match, Djokovic displayed signs of distress, including swallowing pills provided by a medical doctor and receiving treatment for his lower back. He visibly grimaced after several shots and made a staggering 70 unforced errors, contributing to a painful defeat that concluded just minutes before midnight. “It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year: vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there,” Djokovic remarked. He elaborated on his physical struggles, revealing that by the end of the match, his back and shoulder had succumbed to pain, leading to his inability to close out the game.
This historic loss occurred precisely 21 years after Djokovic made his debut at the U.S. Open. Following the match, he hinted at evaluating his future in the sport by discussing the need to address his ongoing physical issues and contemplating how far he can continue competing. Uncharacteristically, Djokovic had trouble maintaining leads, as he looked to assert control early by racing to 3-0 and 4-1 advantages in the initial sets before collapsing. This marked a notable shift from his previous U.S. Open performances.
While Djokovic’s struggles were evident, his wife, Jelena, watched with palpable concern from the stands. Despite the tension, there were fleeting moments when Djokovic showcased his legendary talent, earning applause after winning the second set, followed by a gesture to the crowd as he regained the third set. However, the momentum shifted significantly when he faced off against Navone, a 25-year-old player who recently clinched his first ATP singles title.
Navone, playing in front of a captivated audience, did not back down as he seized the opportunity to defeat his idol. “(It) was very tough for me because you are playing with the ‘GOAT’ on this court,” Navone stated, expressing sheer happiness over his victory. This match not only marked a personal milestone for Navone, who referred to it as a “dream come true,” but it extended Djokovic's ongoing struggles, having also exited in the first round of the Cincinnati hardcourt tournament earlier this month. This earlier exit was his first appearance since losing to top-ranked Jannik Sinner in the semifinals at Wimbledon.
Djokovic had previously conveyed optimism that his early exit from Cincinnati would allow for better preparation for the U.S. Open. However, he acknowledged that he has been grappling with difficulties in starting matches in recent years. Instead of overcoming this initial hurdle, his first-round defeat leaves him facing an uncertain and challenging path ahead.
