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Djokovic Loses in First‑Round Shock to Navone at US Open

Exposed by a heat‑sensitive medical problem that left him physically impaired, Djokovic's defeat puts his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam in doubt.

Overview

  • Djokovic, who was beaten by Mariano Navone on Sunday night, fell 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 after a 4-hour-36-minute match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
  • The 39-year-old vomited on court, suffered cramps and back and shoulder pain, and took a medical timeout between the fourth and fifth sets during which he received pills and a lower‑back massage.
  • Navone, 25 and world No. 49, described the win as a ‘‘dream come true’’ after delivering the biggest victory of his career and advancing to face higher-ranked opponents in the draw.
  • The loss ended Djokovic's two‑decade streak of surviving Grand Slam first rounds and was his first-ever opening-round exit at the US Open, raising immediate questions about diagnosis and short-term recovery.
  • Beyond the match, the result spotlights a recurring condition Djokovic has said is worsened by heat and humidity and forces the tennis world to watch for medical updates and implications for his near‑term schedule.