Novak Djokovic could be argued to be one of the greatest tennis players of the last generation, but the pursuit of continued greatness on the court hit a snag on Sunday night at the U.S. Open.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner was shockingly ousted in the first round of the 2026 tournament. He lost in straight sets to Argentina’s Mariano Navone 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
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Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships against Mariano Navone of Argentina on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Djokovic, 39, had 10 double faults in the loss and made 70 unforced errors. He explained afterward he was dealing with different ailments.
“It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year: vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there,” Djokovic said. “Then my whole body starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain. Yeah, the back just gave up in the end and shoulder, and I couldn’t close it out.”
The first-round exit at the U.S. Open was a first for Djokovic. He came into the tournament, which he had won three times, as the fourth seed. Despite getting back into the match, he didn’t have the ability to put Navone away for good.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia gestures to the crowd after losing to Mariano Navone of Argentina during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships on Aug. 30, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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“Just struggled all the way since the fourth game of the match,” Djokovic added. “When it comes to match itself and overall feeling of how I felt with (my) body and playing, it was really not enjoyable. I pretty much despised every moment that I spent on the court for that.”
Navone said he idolized Djokovic growing up and described the win as bittersweet.
“(It) was very tough for me because you are playing with the ‘GOAT’ on this court,” he said. “For sure it’s the best thing I’ve had on court. This is an amazing court and the biggest stage. It’s amazing, the way we play. I mean, five sets. … I’m very happy. I don’t know. What can I say?”
Mariano Navone of Argentina celebrates after defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the first round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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Navone, 25, won an ATP tournament earlier this year in Romania – the first of his career.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.