Novak Djokovic crashed out of the US Open in the opening round after a dramatic five-set defeat to Argentina’s Mariano Navone, losing 6-7(5), 7-5, 6-4, 2-6, 1-6 from the Serbian’s perspective. The Arthur Ashe Stadium battle lasted four hours and 36 minutes and ended the 39-year-old’s latest attempt to win a record 25th Grand Slam title. It was Djokovic’s first-ever first-round defeat at the US Open and his first opening-round loss at any major since the 2006 Australian Open. His remarkable run of 78 consecutive first-round victories at Grand Slam tournaments also came to an end.
Djokovic had recovered from losing the opening set to lead two sets to one and even moved a break ahead in the fourth, but his physical condition deteriorated dramatically. He vomited several times, suffered cramping and struggled with back and shoulder pain that eventually affected his serve. Djokovic later acknowledged that similar health problems have troubled him repeatedly this season. Navone, a 25-year-old unseeded Argentine ranked around No. 49, stayed composed and secured the biggest victory of his career against a player he has long regarded as his idol. For Djokovic, the defeat raises increasingly difficult questions about whether his body can still withstand the physical demands of five-set Grand Slam tennis.
Sources: Reuters, ATP Tour, US Open.
