Novak Djokovic suffered a historic first-round exit at the US Open after Argentina’s Mariano Navone stunned the 24-time Grand Slam champion in a dramatic five-set battle in New York.
The fourth seed struggled physically throughout the humid contest and was visibly emotional in the deciding set, at one point vomiting into a towel bin before eventually losing 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
It was the first time Djokovic had been beaten in the opening round at Flushing Meadows and his first first-round defeat at a Grand Slam since 2006.
The 39-year-old fought back after losing the third set, but his physical struggles intensified as Navone took control of the match and sealed one of the biggest victories of his career.
Djokovic was overcome with emotion towards the end of the contest, appearing close to tears before eventually congratulating the 25-year-old Argentine at the net.
“I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me,” Djokovic said afterwards.
“I don’t want to take too much out of Mariano’s win. Congrats to him, he’s a nice guy and a fighter – but I didn’t enjoy myself.”
The defeat also ended Djokovic’s latest attempt to win a record 25th Grand Slam singles title and move clear of Margaret Court for the outright record.
The Serbian legend had been viewed as having a strong opportunity to make a deep run in New York, particularly with world number one Jannik Sinner absent through injury and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz returning from a long-term wrist injury.
Instead, Djokovic’s early departure has raised further questions over how much longer he can compete at the very highest level.
Despite the disappointment, he showed his trademark sportsmanship by congratulating Navone, who is ranked 49th in the world, before making the emotional walk back to the locker room.
