Novak Djokovic, the fourth seed, was eliminated in the first round of the US Open 2026 by Argentina's Mariano Navone, 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, in a grueling four-hour, 36-minute encounter. It marks the first time in his career that the Serbian has fallen in the opening round at Flushing Meadows.
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Navone strikes early with first-set tiebreak
The 25-year-old Argentine set the tone by claiming the opening set in a tiebreak, 7-6(5), against a Djokovic who had served well throughout. The four-time US Open champion responded with authority, taking the second and third sets 7-5, 6-4 with his trademark counter-punching game. Everything appeared to be swinging in his favour. Yet the momentum shifted dramatically from the fourth set onward.
A physically struggling Djokovic
The Serbian showed increasing signs of physical distress in the second half of the match. Djokovic vomited courtside on multiple occasions, took medication brought by a doctor and requested a medical timeout between the fourth and fifth sets to have his lower back treated. Navone showed no mercy, seizing every opportunity and claiming the final two sets 6-2, 6-1 to seal the biggest victory of his young career.
The quest for a 25th major title on hold
This first-round exit is Djokovic's earliest Grand Slam loss since the 2006 Australian Open, twenty years ago. The 39-year-old, who was chasing a record 25th major title, leaves New York without advancing past the opening round. "I didn't enjoy myself out there, it was an awful feeling on court," Djokovic said in his post-match press conference. Navone, visibly emotional, summed up the moment: "Five sets against the GOAT, on this court, it's incredible."
Alexander Zverev, the top seed, and Carlos Alcaraz, the second seed and defending champion returning after a four-month absence with a wrist injury, remain the leading contenders in the men's draw. (Sources: ATP Tour, ESPN)
