‘Despised every moment’ – Frustrated Djokovic crashes out of US Open first round

Novak Djokovic, the 39-year-old Serbian tennis legend, suffered a shocking first-round exit at the 2026 US Open, losing to Argentina’s Mariano Navone in a grueling five-set match that lasted four hours and 36 minutes. The defeat came at Flushing Meadows, marking Djokovic’s earliest Grand Slam exit in 20 years and the longest first-round match of his career. Djokovic, aiming for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, fell 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 to the world No. 49, who had never previously beaten him. Navone’s victory also secured his first win over a top-10 player at a Grand Slam, a historic milestone in his career. Throughout the match, Djokovic displayed severe physical distress, vomiting multiple times and suffering from cramps and mobility issues exacerbated by the humid conditions in New York. After the match, Djokovic described the experience as deeply unpleasant, stating, “I didn’t enjoy myself. I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me.” He acknowledged that these physical challenges had plagued him throughout the season, noting that they began early in the match. “It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year,” he said. “Vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there. Then my whole body started to collapse, basically cramping and pain. The back just gave up in the end and shoulder, and I couldn’t close it out.” Djokovic’s performance in the match was marred by numerous unforced errors, with 70 such mistakes recorded. Despite momentarily gaining momentum, particularly in the fourth set, he ultimately failed to maintain control. Navone, on the other hand, showcased resilience and tactical discipline, capitalizing on Djokovic’s waning strength to secure the final two sets. The Argentine’s victory was described as the biggest of his career, and he expressed humility and pride in overcoming one of the sport’s greatest players. “It was very tough for me because you are playing with the ‘GOAT’ on this court,” Navone said. “For sure it’s the best thing I’ve had on court. This is an amazing court and the biggest stage. It’s amazing, the way we play. I mean, five sets. I’m very happy.” The loss marks a significant turning point for Djokovic, who will drop out of the ATP top 10 for the first time in eight years. His absence from the second round also means that, for the first time since 2003, none of the Big Three, Djokovic, Roger Federer, or Rafael Nadal, are present in the second round of a Grand Slam. This outcome underscores the growing challenge Djokovic faces as he continues to compete at the highest level. Djokovic’s physical condition has raised concerns among analysts and fans alike. During the match, he took medical timeouts, receiving treatment for his back and shoulder. Despite these interventions, he was unable to recover fully, and his inability to close out the match highlighted the severity of his current form. His recent performances have suggested a decline in both mental and physical sharpness, with reports indicating that he struggled even in earlier tournaments, such as the Cincinnati Masters. Navone’s triumph over Djokovic represents a major breakthrough in his career, especially given the stature of his opponent. The victory not only boosts Navone’s confidence but also positions him as a rising star in men’s tennis. Meanwhile, Djokovic’s defeat serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by even the most decorated athletes as they age and contend with the physical demands of professional sports. The match concluded with Djokovic expressing frustration and disappointment, yet he remained focused on future opportunities. As the tournament progresses, the focus will shift to whether Djokovic can regain his form and continue competing at the elite level.