Mariano Navone Stuns Ailing Novak Djokovic in US Open First Round

Argentina’s Mariano Navone eliminated Novak Djokovic in the first round of the US Open late on August 30, 2026, winning 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The match lasted four hours and 36 minutes. Djokovic led by two sets to one but struggled physically throughout the contest, repeatedly becoming ill and later dealing with cramps. Navone stayed steady in the extended exchanges and took control across the final two sets.

Djokovic said after the match that he had felt unwell on court and that his body began to break down. He also credited Navone, who continued to pressure him rather than allowing the Serb’s condition to decide the contest on its own.

The defeat was Djokovic’s first opening-round loss at a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open and only the third first-round major defeat of his career. The 39-year-old had been pursuing a record 25th Grand Slam singles title.

For the 25-year-old Navone, the victory was the biggest of his career. The Argentine, whose strongest results have largely come on clay, advanced after beating the player he has described as an idol on one of tennis’s biggest stages.