Novak Djokovic suffered a stunning first round defeat at the 2026 US Open. Mariano Navone defeated the 39 year old Serbian in five sets after a match that lasted four hours and 36 minutes.
Djokovic struggled with vomiting, cramping, back pain and shoulder problems during the match. He also made 70 unforced errors as Navone completed one of the biggest wins of his career
Quick Fact
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened | Mariano Navone defeated Novak Djokovic in the first round of the 2026 US Open. |
| Where | USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York |
| When | Sunday, August 30, 2026 |
| Who is involved | Novak Djokovic and Mariano Navone |
| Final score | Navone won 7 6 (5), 5 7, 4 6, 6 2, 6 1 |
| Match duration | 4 hours and 36 minutes |
| Current status | Djokovic is eliminated from the 2026 US Open. |
| Why it matters | Djokovic suffered his first ever US Open opening round defeat and his earliest Grand Slam exit since 2006. |
Navone Stuns Djokovic in US Open Opener
Mariano Navone stunned Novak Djokovic in the opening round of the US Open. The 25 year old Argentine recovered after losing the second and third sets.
Navone won the fourth set 6 2. He then controlled the deciding set and finished the match 6 1.
The result ended Djokovic’s attempt to win a record 25th Grand Slam title. It also ended his long unbeaten record in US Open opening rounds
Djokovic Struggles Physically in Five Set Defeat
Djokovic started the match well and took early leads in the opening set. Navone stayed composed and eventually won the set in a tiebreak.
Djokovic fought back and won the next two sets. However, his physical condition became a major problem as the match continued.
The Serbian star vomited during the match and appeared to suffer from cramping. He also received medical treatment for his back and took medication during the contest.
Djokovic finished with 70 unforced errors. The match became the longest first-round Grand Slam match of his career.
Djokovic’s Historic US Open Record Comes to an End
Djokovic entered the tournament as one of the biggest names in men’s tennis. He has won 24 Grand Slam singles titles and remains one of the most successful players in the sport.
He had never lost his opening match at the US Open before Sunday.
His latest defeat also marks his earliest exit from a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open.
Djokovic had already experienced a difficult period before arriving in New York. He lost in the first round at Cincinnati earlier this month after returning from his Wimbledon semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner.
Djokovic's Future Is Uncertain Following His Historic US Open Exit
Djokovic is now out of the US Open and will have time to assess his physical condition.
His next tournament has not been confirmed in the information available for this report. Djokovic’s comments suggest that his health and ability to compete will be important factors in his future schedule.
Navone will move into the second round of the US Open after securing the biggest win of his career.
The five set defeat was Djokovic’s first opening round loss at the US Open and his earliest Grand Slam exit in two decades. His physical problems played a major role in the result, while Navone showed the composure needed to complete a historic victory.
