Novak Djokovic was reduced to tears during and after a shock first-round exit at the US Open, losing 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 to Argentina’s Mariano Navone. A match that could be described as physically gruelling.
It was the first time Djokovic had been beaten in the opening round at Flushing Meadows in his career. It was the first time he had lost in the first round of any Grand Slam since 2006. The fourth seed struggled visibly throughout in the humid New York conditions, was forced to vomit into a towel bin during the match, and broke down emotionally in the deciding set. After congratulating Navone with characteristic grace at the net, Djokovic could not maintain his composure as he walked back toward the locker room, visibly close to tears again.
He did not hide from what had happened. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Djokovic described a “serious issue” that has been affecting him consistently throughout 2026. One he says has been present in oppressive conditions for several years.
“It’s something that I have been carrying pretty much every match this year — vomiting, throwing up,” he said.
“And then my whole body starts to collapse basically, cramping and pain — the back just gave up in the end and shoulder, and I couldn’t close it out.”
A Developing Pattern
The episode is strikingly similar to his exit two weeks ago in Cincinnati, where he wilted in equally humid conditions. That pattern, now repeated at consecutive events on the North American hard court swing, is difficult to ignore.
Djokovic had reached at least the semi-finals at six of the previous seven Grand Slams heading into New York. This tournament represented another bid to claim a standalone record 25th Grand Slam singles title, moving him clear of Australia’s Margaret Court. That record remains tied and will have to wait.
“I don’t want to take too much out of Mariano’s win,” Djokovic said.
“Congrats to him, he’s a nice guy and a fighter. But I didn’t enjoy myself.”
Navone, 25 and ranked 49th in the world, will rank this among the defining victories of his career. He played a composed, disciplined match and took full advantage as Djokovic’s body failed him in the later stages.
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