Djokovic also appeared to struggle with discomfort while playing under the closed roof. US Open 2026 witnessed one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history as Novak Djokovic crashed out in the first round after losing to Mariano Navone. The fourth-seeded Serbian, who was chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title, suffered a 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 defeat to Argentina’s Navone at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. It was the first time since 2006 that he had been eliminated in the opening round of a Grand Slam event.
But Navone won the next five games, raising his arms in celebration after fighting off two break points for a 5-2 lead and breaking Djokovic again to force the fifth set. “It’s a dream come true, I mean seriously, 100%.
“It’s unbelievable,” an ecstatic Navone said after triumphing in his first meeting with his longtime idol.
Djokovic vomited on court and struggled with late-match cramps but appeared to have finally taken control when he broke Navone for a 2-1 lead in the fourth set with a vintage backhand winner down the line.
