Overview
- Novak Djokovic lost to Mariano Navone 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a 4-hour, 36-minute match that ended late on Sunday night and marked his first first-round Grand Slam defeat since 2006.
- Djokovic visibly struggled during the match, vomiting, taking medication and receiving medical treatment for cramping and back and shoulder pain as his movement and timing broke down in the fourth and fifth sets.
- Mariano Navone, 25 and ranked No. 49, earned the biggest win of his career and advances to the US Open second round with a performance that capitalized on Djokovic’s 70 unforced errors.
- The loss halts Djokovic’s immediate bid for a 25th major and throws his quarter of the draw open, increasing opportunities for other players after Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal and Carlos Alcaraz’s limited return.
- Djokovic has not announced retirement; he has said the symptoms have troubled him across 2026 and will face medical assessment and public scrutiny about whether he can address the condition before the next Grand Slam.