Navone ousts Djokovic in U.S. Open

Mariano Navone’s win over Novak Djokovic was not just a first-round upset. It was the earliest Grand Slam exit for Djokovic in two decades, and it came after a five-set match in which the Serbian said his body “starts to collapse” when his physical issues flare up. The result also removed one of the biggest names from the men’s draw on opening weekend in New York. Carlos Alcaraz, one of Djokovic’s top rivals, later called the loss “a big surprise.” ### How unusual was this loss for Djokovic? Novak Djokovic had not lost in the first round of a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open before Navone beat him at the 2026 U.S. Open, according to the ATP and the tournament’s official site. The defeat also ended Djokovic’s run of opening-round wins at majors that had stretched across 20 years. (usopen.org) The 39-year-old Serbian entered the tournament as a four-time U.S. Open champion and a 24-time Grand Slam singles winner. Mariano Navone, an Argentine better known for his clay-court background, pulled away late after dropping the third set and then took the fourth and fifth 6-2, 6-1. (usopen.org) ### What happened in the match itself? Arthur Ashe Stadium hosted a match that lasted 4 hours and 36 minutes, with Navone winning 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1. Djokovic recovered from losing the opening set and moved ahead by taking the second and third, but the match turned as his physical condition worsened in the closing stages. (usopen.org) Mariano Navone finished the job in the final two sets as Djokovic’s movement and stamina dropped off. The official tournament report described Djokovic as struggling physically, while ATP coverage said Navone stunned a “physically ailing” Djokovic. ### What did Djokovic say was wrong physically? (usopen.org) Djokovic said after the match that the problem had followed him through much of the season. “It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year — vomiting, throwing up, serious issue there,” he said, according to the U.S. Open’s official report. (usopen.org) The U.S. Open site separately quoted Djokovic saying, “My whole body starts to collapse,” as he described cramping and pain after the episodes begin. He said he was still trying to understand what was happening and how long he could continue playing that way. (usopen.org) ### Why did Alcaraz’s reaction draw attention? Carlos Alcaraz said Djokovic’s defeat was “a big surprise,” according to ATP Tour coverage after the Spaniard opened his own title defense. Alcaraz also said he was not looking too far ahead in the draw despite the removal of a possible semifinal opponent. (usopen.org) The reaction mattered because Djokovic’s exit changed the shape of the men’s bracket immediately. ATP Tour coverage noted that Alcaraz no longer had to navigate a potential semifinal against Djokovic in his section of the draw. ### What comes next after the upset? Mariano Navone moved into the second round in New York after the biggest win of his tournament so far. (atptour.com) Djokovic, meanwhile, left with fresh questions about the physical issues he said have affected him “pretty much every match this year,” a problem he described in detail after the loss. The next immediate milestone is Navone’s second-round match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, while Alcaraz continues his title defense in a draw that no longer includes Djokovic. (atptour.com) (usopen.org)