Novak Djokovic has suffered a stunning first-round defeat at the 2026 US Open, losing to unseeded Argentine Mariano Navone in a gruelling five-set battle at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Navone defeated the fourth-seeded Serbian 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a match that lasted approximately four hours and 36 minutes. The victory represents the biggest win of Navone’s career and one of the most significant upsets of this year’s tournament.
The defeat also ended Djokovic’s hopes of winning a record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles title. More significantly, it marked his first opening-round defeat at a Grand Slam tournament since the 2006 Australian Open, when he was only 18 years old.
Djokovic struggles physically
Djokovic’s physical condition became a major factor during the match.
The 39-year-old experienced vomiting, cramping and pain in his back and shoulder during the contest. His physical problems became increasingly obvious as the match progressed, particularly during the fourth and fifth sets.
Despite his difficulties, Djokovic initially appeared capable of completing another remarkable comeback.
Navone won the opening set in a tiebreak, but Djokovic responded by taking the second and third sets. The Serbian appeared to have regained control and was leading in the fourth set.
However, his physical condition deteriorated.
Navone took advantage of Djokovic’s reduced movement and weakened serve to win the fourth set 6-2 before dominating the deciding set 6-1.
The Argentine eventually secured the biggest victory of his career as Djokovic struggled to maintain his usual level of intensity.
Navone celebrates major career breakthrough
For Navone, the victory represents a major breakthrough on one of tennis’s biggest stages.
The Argentine entered the match as an unseeded player and faced one of the most successful athletes in tennis history.
Rather than being overwhelmed by the occasion, Navone remained competitive throughout the match and showed the determination required to survive against Djokovic.
After taking the first set, he recovered from losing the second and third sets and then capitalised on Djokovic’s physical problems.
The 29-year-old Argentine’s victory sends him into the second round of the US Open with significant confidence and international attention.
Djokovic emotional after defeat
Following the match, Djokovic was visibly emotional.
The Serbian acknowledged the support he received from the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd and said the experience had been difficult because of the physical problems he was experiencing.
Djokovic also indicated that the vomiting, cramping and other physical difficulties have affected him repeatedly during the 2026 season.
He said he needs to understand what is happening with his body as he considers his future in professional tennis.
The defeat has inevitably raised questions about Djokovic’s future, particularly given his age and the physical problems he has experienced this season.
However, Djokovic has not announced his retirement.
A historic US Open upset
The loss is particularly significant because of Djokovic’s extraordinary record at Grand Slam tournaments.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion has spent much of his career competing for major titles and setting records. His defeat to Navone therefore represents one of the most unexpected results of his recent career.
It is also Djokovic’s earliest exit from the US Open in his career.
The tournament had represented another opportunity for him to chase a record 25th major title, but that ambition has now been postponed.
Navone moves forward
While Djokovic’s tournament has ended, Navone now moves into the second round with momentum and the confidence of having defeated one of the greatest players in tennis history.
His victory will also attract considerable attention from fans around the world, particularly in Argentina, where the result is being celebrated as a major achievement for the country’s tennis.
The US Open is still in its early stages, but Djokovic’s elimination has already provided one of the tournament’s defining moments.
With the 39-year-old now out of the competition, attention will turn to the remaining favourites and whether another player can take advantage of the open draw.
For Navone, however, the immediate focus will be on continuing his run.
He has already produced one of the biggest surprises of the tournament. The challenge now is to prove that his victory over Djokovic was not simply a one-night achievement, but the beginning of a deeper run at the US Open.
