Novak Djokovic Suffers Historic First-Round Exit at US Open in Grueling Five-Set Marathon
Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title suffered a shocking and physical collapse on Tuesday night as he was eliminated in the first round of the US Open. In an emotional and arduous battle at Flushing Meadows, the 39-year-old tennis legend succumbed to Argentine underdog Mariano Navone, falling 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
The encounter, which spanned a staggering four hours and 36 minutes, marked the longest opening-round match of Djokovic’s illustrious career and signaled his earliest exit from a major tournament since the 2006 Australian Open.
A Physical Collapse
From the outset, it was clear that Djokovic was battling more than just his opponent. Despite his status as one of the game’s greatest competitors, the Serbian appeared visibly distressed, suffering from recurring health issues that plagued his recent performance in Cincinnati. Throughout the match, Djokovic was forced to retreat to the sidelines to vomit on multiple occasions, visibly struggling with the humidity and physical exhaustion.
“I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me,” a somber Djokovic admitted afterward. “It’s something that I’ve been carrying—vomiting, throwing up—it’s a serious issue. My whole body started to collapse, basically cramping and in pain. The back just gave up in the end, and the shoulder, and I couldn’t close it out.”
Despite the physical toll, Djokovic displayed his trademark resilience, rallying to lead two-sets-to-one. However, after losing his footing and landing awkwardly in the fourth set, his mobility vanished. He managed to win only one game thereafter, recording 70 unforced errors in a performance that ended just minutes before midnight in New York.
A Historic Milestone for Navone
For Mariano Navone, the world No. 49, the victory represents the crowning achievement of his career. Having grown up idolizing the Serbian, the 25-year-old remained composed under immense pressure to secure his first-ever win against a top-10 player at a Grand Slam.
“It was very tough for me because you are playing with the ‘GOAT’ on this court,” said an elated Navone. “For sure, it’s the best thing I’ve had on court. This is an amazing court and the biggest stage.”
The ramifications of this match are significant. With this defeat, Djokovic will drop out of the top 10 of the ATP rankings for the first time in eight years. Furthermore, the exit marks a surreal moment in tennis history: for the first time since 2003, none of the “Big Three”—Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, or Rafael Nadal—will participate in the second round of a Grand Slam, sparking widespread speculation that the greatest era in the sport’s history is nearing its end.
As for the 39-year-old, the loss leaves an uncertain air surrounding his future. When asked about his long-term prospects, the weight of the result and his recurring health struggles left many wondering if this could be the final time tennis fans see the legend at a major tournament.
This US Open defeat serves as a sobering reminder of the physical demands of modern tennis and the inevitable passage of time, even for the most dominant athletes in the history of the sport.
