By The Epoch Times | Created at 2026-09-01 19:21:51 | Updated at 2026-09-04 04:56:48
2 days ago
Novak Djokovic of Serbia receives treatment from Clay Sniteman against Mariano Navone of Argentina during their Men's Singles First Round match on Day One of the 2026 US Open. Julian Finney/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic struggled physically in an emotional five-set loss against Argentina’s Mariano Navone.
The 7–6(5), 5–7, 4–6, 6–2, 6–1 tennis match was the Serbian’s first time losing in the opening round of the US Open. It’s also the first time since the 2006 Australian Open that he has lost so early in a major.
“I didn’t enjoy myself,” Djokovic, who was visibly emotional during the fifth set, said after the match. “I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me.”
After a passing shot sealed it, Djokovic received a standing ovation while fans wondered whether it was the 39-year-old’s final time walking out of Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City.
The four-time US Open champion made 70 unforced errors and endured health issues throughout the four-and-a-half-hour match.
He threw up at least once—in the third set—before swallowing pills and having his lower back massaged during a medical timeout between the fourth and fifth sets.
“It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year: vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there,” Djokovic said. “Then my whole body starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain. Yeah, the back just gave up in the end and shoulder, and I couldn’t close it out.”
Djokovic experienced similar physical discomfort in a second-round loss in Cincinnati a couple of weeks ago, where he said the Ohio heat and humidity exacerbated a health condition, according to the ATP Tour.
After an impressive run to the finals at this year’s Australian Open, Djokovic has only made it to the second week of one tournament—Wimbledon last month.
The US Open is the tournament where Djokovic won his most recent Grand Slam three years ago.
He’s since been battling Father Time in pursuit of Grand Slam number 25 and had a great opportunity in New York after world No. 1 Jannik Sinner withdrew from the tournament due to a knee injury.
The path was also more open because reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz, who beat Djokovic in straight sets at the semifinals last year, is just returning from a wrist injury that has sidelined him since April.
For 25-year-old Navone, who previously said he idolized Djokovic growing up, the win is a major career milestone.
“It’s unbelievable. It means a lot for me,” Navone said after facing Djokovic for the first time. “It’s a dream come true, I mean seriously, 100 percent.”
Navone is ranked 49th in the world, and his victory was the second top-ten win of his career.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
