Novak Djokovic in tears after shock five-set US Open first-round loss to Mariano Navone

Novak Djokovic broke down in tears after losing to Argentina’s Mariano Navone in the first round of the US Open at Flushing Meadows on 31 August 2026, succumbing 7-6 (7-5) 5-7 4-6 6-2 6-1. The fourth seed and 24-time Grand Slam champion was visibly emotional during the deciding set of the five-set match.

Djokovic had won all 19 of his previous opening-round matches at the US Open and this defeat marked the first time he had been beaten in the first round at Flushing Meadows; it was also his first opening-round Grand Slam loss since 2006. The setback ended his latest bid for a standalone 25th Grand Slam singles title and, the report said, further harms his chances of moving clear of Australia’s Margaret Court. Djokovic is only the fourth man in history to have played 20 times at the US Open and had entered New York having reached at least the semi-finals at six of the previous seven Grand Slams.

Physical distress affected much of the match: Djokovic appeared nauseous, vomited into a towel bin and during the contest called for the doctor after the ninth game requesting tablets. A lengthy rally was described as a turning point that sapped his energy, and commentators noted his serve and groundstrokes lost pace as the match progressed. The first set progressed to a tie-break after one hour and 13 minutes, which Navone took 7-6 (7-5).

Djokovic recovered to win the second set, breaking for a 6-5 lead and serving out to love to level the match 7-5, and then took the third set after breaking Navone for 5-4 and holding serve to move into the lead. The account states Djokovic became more animated in the early part of the third set, a brief return to his customary intensity, but that form did not continue into the closing stages.

Navone, 25 and ranked world number 49, remained composed and turned the match around by winning the fourth and fifth sets 6-2, 6-1. Djokovic managed a smile while congratulating Navone after the match, but the report says he soon looked disconsolate again as he trudged back to the locker room and appeared close to tears.

The report links Djokovic’s difficulties in New York to similar issues on the North American hard courts earlier in the season, noting he wilted in humid conditions in Cincinnati a fortnight earlier and suffered a shock early exit there to Argentina’s Thiago Tirante, ranked 50. After that loss Djokovic said he had been hampered by a "health condition" which has been "bothering" him in oppressive conditions over a number of years.

There was a subdued atmosphere in Arthur Ashe Stadium as the match swung away from Djokovic late on, with spectators described as falling silent and thousands still inside the venue witnessing the four-time US Open champion’s struggles. The defeat guarantees Navone at least a place in the second round and ends Djokovic’s run at this year’s US Open.