Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a historic 25th Grand Slam title appears increasingly difficult following a stunning first-round exit at the US Open. The 39-year-old tennis legend suffered a brutal defeat on Sunday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium, falling to Argentinian challenger Mariano Navone in a five-set marathon that ended 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
The loss marks the first time in two decades that Djokovic has been eliminated in the opening round of a major tournament. Despite being cheered on by a crowd desperate to see him advance, the Serbian star struggled with severe physical limitations, eventually breaking down in tears as his body failed him during the final stages of the match.
Djokovic revealed that his performance was hindered by a recurring series of health issues that have plagued him throughout 2026, including persistent vomiting, cramping, and intense back and shoulder pain. He admitted that he has yet to find a solution to these physical ailments, stating, “I’m trying, man, I’m trying. I’m just trying to address really what’s going on and how far I can go this way.”
Reflecting on the collapse, Djokovic explained that his body essentially gave up under the pressure of the match. “It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year,” he noted. “Then my whole body starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain. The back just gave up in the end and shoulder, and I couldn’t close it out.”
It has been three years since Djokovic claimed his 24th Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open. Since that victory, he has had 12 opportunities to surpass the record he currently shares with Margaret Court, reaching two finals and six semi-finals. His 2026 campaign has been particularly challenging; while he reached the Australian Open final and the Wimbledon semi-finals, his form has been inconsistent.
Earlier this season, Djokovic showed flashes of his vintage brilliance at Wimbledon, notably winning the longest quarter-final in the tournament’s history against Felix Auger-Aliassime before losing to Jannik Sinner. However, his recent US hardcourt preparation was lackluster, including a sluggish opening loss in Cincinnati that he hoped would provide extra time to prepare his body and mind for Flushing Meadows.
Despite his diminished physical state on Sunday, Djokovic managed to rally from a set down to lead two sets to one against the 49th-ranked Navone before his condition deteriorated. The 25-year-old Argentinian acknowledged the significance of the result, describing Djokovic as the greatest of all time and noting that he grew up watching the Serb compete in major tournaments.
“I don’t know what I can say more because Novak is the GOAT in this sport,” Navone said. “I beat him in US Open, Arthur Ashe, night session. I got up many times so early to see Novak in Australia, to see Novak in French Open, to see Novak in US open and going late before school… it means a lot.” The report also notes that djokovic, knocked out in the first round of a major for the first time in 20 years, said the vomiting, cramping and back pain that hindered him throughout were symptoms that had plagued him for much of the year — and so.
