Navone shocks Djokovic in five-set US Open first-round upset
Mariano Navone defeated Novak Djokovic in a five-set first-round match at the US Open on Sunday night in New York, beating the fourth seed 6-7(5), 7-5, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in four hours and 36 minutes.
The 25-year-old Argentine, who grew up idolising Djokovic, said he was still stunned after the victory over the 39-year-old, calling the match “the best thing I've had on court.” Navone is ranked 49th in the world and Djokovic entered the match as the tournament's fourth seed; the result sent the Serbian out in the first round and ended his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title and a fifth US Open crown.
Djokovic opened strongly, racing to a 3-0 lead in the first set in humid conditions, but Navone fought back to level at 4-4 and forced a tiebreak, which he won 7-6(5). Rain caused a brief interruption and the roof was closed on the main show court before play resumed; Djokovic took the second set 7-5 to move ahead before physical problems began to affect him.
Physical issues troubled Djokovic throughout the match: he vomited courtside during the third set but recovered to break Navone for a 5-4 lead and then held to take that set 6-4. Navone responded in the fourth as Djokovic’s movement and serve faltered, allowing the Argentine to win the fourth set 6-2 and level the match.
Djokovic vomited again at the start of the fourth and, despite briefly breaking Navone for a 2-1 lead, continued to struggle physically; he later hit a shot wide, landed awkwardly and dropped his racket. Navone dominated the deciding set, winning 6-1 to complete the victory just before midnight in New York.
Statistically, the match represented contrasting five-set records: Navone had lost all four of his previous Grand Slam matches that went the distance, while Djokovic had won 42 of his previous 54 five-setters. Djokovic finished the match with 70 unforced errors and was unable to find a way past an opponent who refused to back down as the match wore on.
The moment drew attention on social media, with the US Open Tennis account posting “Mariano's moment” on August 31, 2026. Navone reflected on the occasion after the match, saying: "It was very tough for me because you are playing with the 'GOAT' on this court," and later adding, "It means a lot for me. It's a dream come true. Certainly 100%." He also noted the late hour, saying, "It's almost 12 am. We have to go to sleep."
The defeat was Djokovic's earliest exit at a major since the 2006 Australian Open and will see him drop out of the ATP top 10 for the first time in eight years. Two weeks earlier in Cincinnati he had lost to Thiago Agustin Tirante and been seen collapsing to his knees before being sick into a towel; after that match Djokovic said he had been dealing with a "health issue" for many years that affects him in heat and humidity.
