Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest in tennis history, was forced to exit the 2026 US Open after a first-round defeat to Mariano Navone, marking the first time since 2006 he has lost at this stage of a major tournament. The match lasted 4 hours and 36 minutes, with Djokovic enduring physical issues including cramps, nausea, and a medical timeout; According to the New York Post, Djokovic, 39, also used an inhaler and took two pills during the match.

A Match Turned Requiem

Djokovic had previously won 37 consecutive first- and second-round matches at the US Open, but this time, he was unable to recover from his physical struggles. Navone, ranked 48th in the world, claimed the victory with a score of 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1. According to the BBC, Djokovic showed brief moments of his usual dominance, including breaking for a 5-4 lead in the third set and serving out to love to level the match.

However, the Serbian star was unable to maintain his form and was eventually overpowered by Navone; the match became increasingly one-sided in the final two sets, with Djokovic visibly struggling. According to the BBC, the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium became subdued as it became clear Djokovic would not be able to turn the match around.

A Decline in Form

This defeat raises questions about Djokovic’s physical condition and his ability to compete at the highest level, and According to Puntodebreak, Djokovic had warned in Cincinnati that he was dealing with a physical issue he needed to learn to cope with. Despite his usual resilience in Grand Slams, this loss in New York was a significant setback.

Djokovic’s body language during the match was concerning, with moments where he put his hands on his knees after long, grueling points, and According to Puntodebreak, Navone’s deep backhand play forced Djokovic into long rallies, which seemed to exacerbate his physical issues. Navone, who has never advanced beyond the second round in New York, described the win as a “dream come true,” according to the New York Post.

Emotional Fallout

Djokovic refused to retire from the match but was clearly in distress during the final sets — According to the New York Post, he broke down in tears as the match neared its conclusion. The emotional toll of the loss was evident, as the Serb had been aiming for his 25th Grand Slam title and his fifth US Open championship.

While Djokovic has always been known for his mental toughness, this loss appears to be a turning point; According to the BBC, the match quickly turned from a tight contest into a difficult watch for fans in the stadium. Navone, who had never faced Djokovic before, described the experience as “amazing” and expressed his hope to return to Flushing Meadows in the future.