The grueling four-hour, 36-minute defeat ended a 20-year streak of opening-round victories at major tournaments for the 39-year-old tennis great.
The historic upset sent shockwaves through Flushing Meadows, as the world No. 49 secured a 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 victory over the four-time US Open champion. For Djokovic, the defeat closed the door on another pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles title, ensuring that milestone will wait at least until 2027.
Physical Toll and On-Court Distress
Djokovic’s physical struggles were apparent from the opening games of the match. Battling oppressive humidity inside Arthur Ashe Stadium—where the roof was closed due to rain—the 24-time major champion applied ice bags to his head between changeovers while visibly laboring through long rallies.
The situation escalated significantly in the third set, when Djokovic vomited multiple times and required medical attention. He later took a timeout for lower back treatment following the fourth set.
Djokovic added that he had struggled since the fourth game of the match, paying credit to his opponent while acknowledging his own physical limitations.
“I struggled since the fourth game of the match. I don’t want to take too much (away from) his win. Congrats to him. He’s a nice guy, fighter, but you know, I didn’t enjoy myself.”
Novak Djokovic, via Yahoo Sports
The veteran star later accumulated 70 unforced errors as his movement broke down completely in the final two frames, allowing Navone to control the pace and run away with the decider.
Shattered Records and Historical Context
The defeat brought an unprecedented end to two decades of dominance in the opening rounds of major championships. Prior to the loss, Djokovic had won 78 consecutive opening-round matches at Grand Slam events.
The last time Djokovic fell at the first hurdle in a major occurred at the 2006 Australian Open against Paul Goldstein. Furthermore, the outcome marks the first time since 2003 that none of “The Big 3″—Djokovic, Roger Federer, or Rafael Nadal—will feature in the second week of a Grand Slam tournament.
For Navone, the triumph represents the pinnacle of his professional career. The 25-year-old Argentine claimed his first Top 10 win at a major stage.
Navone expressed his disbelief on court following the match, noting that playing a five-set encounter against an idol on the sport’s biggest stage is an uncommon experience.
“For sure it’s the best thing I’ve had on court. This is an amazing court and the biggest stage. It’s amazing, the way we play. I mean, five sets. I’m very happy. I don’t know. What can I say?”
Mariano Navone, via Sky Sports
Wider Implications for the Men’s Draw
Djokovic’s early departure throws the US Open men’s singles draw into chaos. With world No. 1 Jannik Sinner sidelined due to a lingering knee issue and No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz returning from a wrist injury that forced him to miss the French Open and Wimbledon, the top tier of the tournament is suddenly wide open.
The elimination also opens a major pathway for American contenders in that quarter of the bracket, creating a prime opportunity to snap a 23-year Grand Slam title drought for American men dating back to Andy Roddick’s 2003 US Open victory.
Uncertain Future Ahead
Having previously revealed that he deals with an enduring health issue exacerbated by heat and humidity—compounded by a similar physical collapse in Cincinnati weeks prior—questions surrounding his long-term playing future have intensified. Whether the 39-year-old legend will return to Flushing Meadows to chase another major title remains entirely uncertain.
