Novak Djokovic stunned by Mariano Navone in first round at US Open

Novak Djokovic was defeated by Mariano Navone in the first round of the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium on August 31, 2026, losing 7-6, 5-7, 6-4, 2-6, 6-1. The fourth seed broke down in tears on court after a match marked by severe physical problems.

Djokovic’s exit halted a run of 78 consecutive opening-round wins at Grand Slams and represented his first first-round loss at a major since Paul Goldstein beat him at the 2006 Australian Open. He arrived at Flushing Meadows with limited preparation, having played only one match during the North American hard-court swing and suffering a defeat to Thiago Agustin Tirante in Cincinnati, and took a late practice on Arthur Ashe after Daniil Medvedev defeated Hugo Gaston.

Physical issues were evident from the start: Djokovic repeatedly applied an ice bag to his head, looked uncomfortable in humid conditions and, before the roof was closed because of inclement weather, asked the supervisor whether the air conditioning could be switched on once the roof was shut. Those struggles continued into the match and became more pronounced as play progressed.

The problems intensified in the third set when Djokovic vomited multiple times during the sixth game, bending over at the back of the court before resuming. A tournament physio provided tablets and Djokovic’s team supplied fluids from courtside as the contest stretched towards its fourth hour.

Despite the physical toll, Djokovic recovered on the scoreboard after an error-strewn tiebreak cost him the opening set; he then won the second set 7-5 and the third 6-4 to move within one set of victory. The comeback gave the match a late tilt in his favour even as he battled his condition.

Navone regained the initiative in the fourth set, winning it 6-2, and pulled further clear in the deciding set, establishing a 4-1 lead before closing out the match 6-1. Djokovic was unable to match Navone’s intensity in the final stages and the Argentine finished the win.

Djokovic began crying on court during the deciding set, with the tears coming after hours of dealing with heat, dehydration and illness; his wife Jelena was visibly distressed in the stands as he sought another response. Navone remained composed through the closing stages and completed one of the biggest victories of his career.

The defeat ends Djokovic’s US Open campaign and his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam singles title will have to continue beyond Flushing Meadows.