Home
Novak Djokovic suffered a shocking first-round exit at the 2026 US Open, and the 24-time Grand Slam champion was in tears following the painful loss. The Serbian fell in five sets to Argentina’s Mariano Navone after a physically draining and emotionally raw performance on Arthur Ashe Stadium. This ended the legendary tennis superstar’s record-extending 25th major dream in heartbreak.
ADVERTISEMENT
The 39-year-old, a four-time winner in New York, lost 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in four hours and 36 minutes. It was his first opening-round defeat at a major since the 2006 Australian Open and the first time he had ever exited the US Open in the first round. Djokovic appeared unwell from early on.
Watch: Novak Djokovic in tears after shocking US Open 1st round exit in five-set thriller vs unseeded Argentine
Djokovic vomited courtside during the third set, struggled with back issues that required a medical timeout before the fifth, and showed clear signs of fatigue and cramping as the match wore on in humid conditions. In the deciding set, the Serbian great broke down in tears as Navone pulled away, covering his face and appearing visibly distressed while the crowd tried to lift him.
Navone, ranked around 49th in the world and just 25 years old, produced the biggest win of his career. “Five sets against the GOAT… it’s a dream come true,” the Argentine said after the stunning high-class victory. The shocking defeat raises fresh questions about how much longer the all-time great can compete at the highest level.
ALSO READ: Watch: Roger Federer breaks down; delivers emotional Hall of Fame induction speech
ADVERTISEMENT
