Djokovic Falters Physically as He Falls Short in US Open First-Round Defeat
NEW YORK NEW YORK – AUGUST 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts against Mariano Navone of Argentina during their Men’s Singles First Round match on Day One of the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 30, 2026 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
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New York, New York – August 30. Novak Djokovic of Serbia appeared visibly distressed throughout his first-round showdown against Mariano Navone at the 2026 US Open’s opening day at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York.
The normally passionate Serb struggled to engage with the crowd and suffered multiple bouts of vomiting while confronting severe stomach discomfort over the course of the contest. Throughout Sunday’s encounter, Djokovic also resorted to using an inhaler and taking medication after sharing that he has been managing a chronic health issue for many years.
Ultimately, the 24‑time major champion and No. 4 seed posted an agonizing 7‑6(5), 5‑7, 4‑6, 6‑2, 6‑1 defeat to the resolute Argentine, who holds no ATP Tour titles and is currently ranked World No. 49. The loss was further clouded by rain forcing the roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium to close during the afternoon play.
At age 39, Djokovic had not recorded a first‑round exit in a Grand Slam prior to 2006. His wife Jelena and children Stefan and Tara stood by as he left the match, exchanged handshakes, and signed memorabilia.
“It feels better for him because it reminds us he’s human,” observed John McEnroe on ESPN. “It accentuates just how extraordinary his accomplishments truly are.”
The 21 years that elapsed before this upset marked the last occasion none of the “Big 3”—Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal—advanced to the second week of a major, according to ESPN. For Navone, this triumph represents the highlight of his golfing journey.
Earlier in the season, Dyokovic earned his place at the 2026 Australian Open final by defeating world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and progressed to the semis of all four Grand Slam events last year. In the decisive fifth set, Djokovic erred on the defensive, allowing Navone to break his serve down 0‑40 while returning and briefly trailing the score.
When the tiebreak concluded, Djokovic was unable to win a single service point throughout the set until Navone capitalized on a lucky bounce to edge him into a 4‑6 loss in the fourth set.
Despite enduring constant nausea and muscle soreness, Djokovic demonstrated resilience. Midway through the fourth set, he displayed visible discomfort as cramping threatened, frequently stretching his legs and torso off the court. Commentator Chris Fowler noted, “This is not much fun for him tonight at all.”
Navone cracked open the scoreboard with a powerful forehand at break point, earning a 4‑2 break. Momentum shifted decisively, and after sealing the fifth set 6‑4, Djokovic held the lead in the tie‑breaker, marking the end of a grueling four‑hour, thirty‑six‑minute contest.
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NEW YORK NEW YORK – AUGUST 30: Mariano Navone of Argentina returns against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their Men’s Singles First Round match on Day One of the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 30, 2026 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
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Navone rejoined the match to challenge Djokovic once more, reigniting the competition with an energetic effort that revitalized the audience’s hope.
The decisive fifth game unfolded dramatically. With the score tied at 3‑3, Navone seized a brief breathing opportunity and struck a blistering forehand that pushed Djokovic back to 4‑5. This marked the first time Djokovic himself had seemed unwell over the previous round, prompting the crowd to hush momentarily.
As tension mounted, the server dropped sharp wins, turning the tide as his rivals faltered under unprecedented pressure.
figure3 While the crowd cheered for Djokovic, navigated the final moments, Navone maintained focus, emphasizing that “this was a monumental achievement on the grandest stage.” His reaction reflected both the magnitude of the victory and the personal significance it represented. In summary, the event highlighted the stark contrast between Djokovic’s immense talent and the physical fragility that can intrude upon even the most elite performers. Meanwhile, Navone emerged triumphant, adding another poignant chapter to his burgeoning career.
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