Novak Djokovic suffered a stunning first-round defeat at the US Open on Sunday, losing 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 to unseeded Argentine Mariano Navone.
The defeat ended Djokovic’s latest attempt to win a record 25th Grand Slam title. It also marked his first opening-round loss at a major tournament since the 2006 Australian Open.
Djokovic struggled physically throughout the four-hour, 36-minute battle. He vomited during the match and later battled back and shoulder problems that affected his serve.
The 39-year-old also appeared to suffer from cramping and severe pain during the latter stages.
“It was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me,” Djokovic said after the match, fighting back tears.
He explained that vomiting and physical problems had affected him repeatedly during matches this year. Djokovic said his back and shoulder eventually prevented him from closing out the contest.
Navone Completes Major Upset
Navone produced the biggest victory of his career against a player he considers the greatest of all time.
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The 25-year-old Argentine recovered from losing the third set and maintained his composure in the final two sets.
“Five sets, against the GOAT, it’s not something you do every day. I’m very happy,” Navone said on court.
He later admitted that he was still processing the result.
“It’ll take a while for the adrenaline to settle down,” Navone told ESPN.
Djokovic Fights Through Physical Problems
Djokovic started strongly and moved 3-0 ahead in the opening set. Navone quickly recovered and levelled at 4-4.
Rain then forced a brief delay at Flushing Meadows as officials closed the roof on the main court.
Navone took the opening-set tiebreak to put Djokovic under immediate pressure.
The four-time US Open champion responded in the second set. He fought back to level the match and appeared to regain control.
However, Djokovic began struggling physically during the third set. He vomited into a courtside bin but continued playing.
He then broke Navone for a 5-4 lead and secured the set.
Navone Takes Control
Djokovic opened the fourth set with a break but could not maintain his advantage.
His serve weakened as his back problem worsened. Navone seized the opportunity and won the fourth set 6-2.
The Argentine then dominated the deciding set. Djokovic struggled to produce his usual level of movement and power as Navone completed the biggest win of his career.
Despite his physical problems, Djokovic insisted that he never considered retiring from the match.
“I didn’t want to give up in fourth or fifth,” he said. “I wanted to finish the match.”
Djokovic’s defeat ends his campaign in New York earlier than ever before and leaves his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title on hold.
