US Open 2026: Novak Djokovic Crashes Out in Round 1 After Emotional Five-Set Loss

Novak Djokovic suffered a shocking first-round exit at the US Open 2026 after losing a gruelling five-set battle against Argentina’s Mariano Navone.

The fourth-seeded Serbian fought back after dropping the opening set but eventually lost 6-7, 7-5, 6-4, 2-6, 1-6 in a physically demanding contest at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Djokovic struggled with the heat and humidity from the early stages. He repeatedly used an ice bag on his head and later appeared increasingly uncomfortable as the match stretched towards its fourth hour.

His physical problems became more serious during the third set when he vomited several times during the sixth game. Despite needing medical assistance and fluids, Djokovic continued playing and remarkably managed to take control of the match by winning the second and third sets.

Navone, however, fought back strongly in the fourth set and won it 6-2 before taking control of the deciding set.

With Djokovic trailing 1-4 in the fifth, the 39-year-old appeared completely exhausted. The emotional pressure of the moment became visible as Djokovic broke down in tears on court while watching his comeback hopes disappear.

Navone remained composed and closed out the deciding set 6-1 to record one of the biggest victories of his career.

The defeat ended Djokovic’s hopes of winning a record 25th Grand Slam singles title at the US Open. He was also chasing a fourth-round win that would have taken him past Jimmy Connors’ record of 98 US Open match victories.

More remarkably, Djokovic’s defeat ended his run of 78 consecutive first-round victories at Grand Slam tournaments. His previous first-round Grand Slam loss had come at the 2006 Australian Open against Paul Goldstein.

Djokovic had entered the US Open with limited preparation, having played only one match during the North American hard-court swing. He had also struggled with heat and humidity during his Cincinnati campaign.

For Navone, the victory marks a landmark moment. For Djokovic, it is one of the most painful early exits of his career—and another reminder of the enormous physical challenge of competing at the highest level at 39.