Novak Djokovic broke down in tears during a dramatic first-round defeat to Argentina’s Mariano Navone at the 2026 US Open on Sunday, suffering his earliest exit from a Grand Slam tournament in 20 years.
The 39-year-old Serbian, a four-time US Open champion and 24-time Grand Slam winner, was beaten 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a gruelling contest that lasted four hours and 36 minutes.
Djokovic appeared to struggle physically throughout the match, vomiting on several occasions and dealing with cramping, as well as back and shoulder problems. Despite the difficulties, he fought back after losing the opening set to take the next two and move within a set of victory.
However, Navone recovered to win the fourth set before dominating the deciding set and completing the biggest victory of his career.
Djokovic’s emotional struggles became evident during the fifth set when he was seen crying on court as his physical condition deteriorated. He eventually fell to the world No. 49 Argentine, ending his hopes of winning a record 25th Grand Slam singles title at the tournament.
The defeat was Djokovic’s first in the opening round of the US Open and his first first-round loss at a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open. He had previously won all 19 of his opening-round matches at Flushing Meadows.
After the match, Djokovic acknowledged the severity of the physical problems that have affected him during the 2026 season. He said vomiting had occurred repeatedly during matches this year and that his body eventually began to suffer from cramps and pain.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Djokovic said he did not want to retire from the match and was determined to finish it.
Navone, 25, described the victory as a dream come true, having grown up idolising Djokovic. The Argentine will advance to the second round of the US Open, while Djokovic’s future schedule and continued participation at the highest level of the sport will now attract considerable attention.
