US Open: Novak Djokovic Eliminated in the First Round; Navone Wins in Five Sets
Novak Djokovic is out in the first round of the U.S. Open. The Serbian, making his 20th appearance at the New York tournament, was defeated by Argentine Mariano Navone in five sets with a score of 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 after 4 hours and 36 minutes of play. For Djokovic, this is a result that is as devastating as it is unusual: he had never lost in his opening match at Flushing Meadows, and in the first two rounds of the tournament, he had previously racked up 37 wins without a single loss. His last such early exit from a Grand Slam dates back to the 2006 Australian Open.
The match was also affected by the 39-year-old Serbian’s physical condition. The high humidity inside Arthur Ashe Stadium—with the roof closed due to rain—caused him difficulties from the very beginning. Djokovic suffered from stomach problems, even vomiting several times, and sought relief by applying ice during changeovers.
Navone won the first set in a tiebreak, even though Djokovic had managed to take a 4-1 lead. The Serb, however, fought back in the second set, breaking serve late to even the set count. In the third set, he completed the comeback, relying primarily on his serve and managing to maintain greater consistency at key moments.
Starting in the fourth set, Djokovic’s physical condition deteriorated. At 2-2, he began suffering from cramps in his left leg, and although he initially managed to fend off a few break points, he gradually lost effectiveness in his footwork and shots.
Navone capitalized on his opponent’s decline, winning the fourth set 6-2 and quickly taking control of the fifth as well. In the final stretch, the Argentine won eight consecutive games, while Djokovic finished the match with 70 unforced errors.
For Navone, 25 years old and ranked No. 49 in the world, this marks one of the most important victories of his career. Djokovic, on the other hand, exits New York in the first round and must once again postpone his goal of winning a 25th Grand Slam title.
