Monday, August 31, 2026 - Tennis legend, Novak Djokovic experienced a historic setback at the US Open on Sunday night, suffering his first-ever opening-round loss at Flushing Meadows after falling to Argentina's Mariano Navone.
The 39-year-old fourth seed succumbed 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2,
6-1 in a grueling five-set battle at Arthur Ashe Stadium that spanned four
hours and 36 minutes.
The defeat marks Djokovic's earliest exit from any Grand Slam
tournament in 20 years, dating back to the 2006 Australian Open. Visible
physical distress plagued the 24-time Grand Slam champion throughout the night.
Djokovic battled vomiting and severe cramping, requiring
medical attention, medication, and lower back treatment between sets.
The Serbian committed 70 unforced errors in the match.
"I didn’t enjoy myself," Djokovic admitted post-match.
"I think it was obvious that it
was an awful feeling on the court for me. 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. Yeah, the back just gave up in the end and shoulder, and I couldn’t
close it out."
After surging to early leads in the
opening set, Djokovic lost his rhythm, eventually dropping the tiebreak before
fighting back to take the second and third sets.
However, the physical toll proved too
great as the 25-year-old Navone dominated the final two sets to secure the
biggest victory of his career.
"It
was very tough for me because you are playing with the 'GOAT' on this
court," Navone said following his first career five-set victory.
"For sure it’s the best thing
I’ve had on court. This is an amazing court and the biggest stage."
The loss follows an early exit at
Cincinnati earlier in August and raises questions regarding Djokovic's future
on the tour, with the legend noting he is evaluating how much further his body
can take the physical strain.
0 Comments