Ailing Djokovic Stunned in US Open First Round by Navone,  24-Time Grand Slam Champion in Tears After 4-Hour, 36-Minute Epic

Novak Djokovic suffered a stunning first-round defeat at the US Open, falling to Argentina's Mariano Navone in five sets. The 39-year-old battled illness and physical distress throughout the 4-hour, 36-minute match, marking his earliest Grand Slam exit since 2006.

Novak Djokovic's quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title came to a shocking end on Sunday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The fourth-seeded Serb was defeated by Argentina's Mariano Navone, 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, in a first-round match that stretched nearly five hours. It was Djokovic's first-ever first-round loss at the US Open and his earliest exit from a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open.

A Physical Struggle on the Court

From the start, it was clear Djokovic was not himself. He vomited multiple times during the match, later revealing it was part of a recurring issue that has plagued him all season. "It's something that I've been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year," he said after the match. The physical distress was visible. He clutched his left foot, grabbed at his back, and required a medical timeout between the fourth and fifth sets for a massage on his spine. His movement became labored as the match wore on, and he finished with 70 unforced errors.

"I pretty much despised every moment that I spent on the court for that," Djokovic admitted after the match.

Navone’s Career-Defining Win

For the 25-year-old Navone, ranked 49th in the world, it was a dream come true. The Argentine, who idolized Djokovic growing up, stayed composed as the Serb's level dropped, taking the final two sets decisively. "It's a dream come true, I mean seriously, 100 per cent," an ecstatic Navone said.

He becomes the first Argentine to defeat Djokovic in a completed Grand Slam match since Guillermo Coria in 2005.

Here is the question this loss raises. With World No. 1 Jannik Sinner out injured and the draw wide open, Djokovic had a golden opportunity to claim a 25th major. When a champion of his caliber is reduced to a shell of himself by illness, does it raise the alarm about what awaits the "Big Four" era?

FAQ:

Q: What was the result of Djokovic vs Navone at the US Open?
A: Mariano Navone defeated Novak Djokovic 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in the first round.

Q: When was the last time Novak Djokovic lost in the first round of a Grand Slam?
A: Djokovic's last first-round Grand Slam loss was at the 2006 Australian Open.

Q: Why was Djokovic struggling during the match?
A: Djokovic battled a physical issue that caused him to vomit several times and experience cramping and back pain throughout the match.

Q: Who is Mariano Navone?
A: Mariano Navone is a 25-year-old Argentine tennis player ranked 49th in the world. This victory marked the biggest win of his career and the first time he has beaten a top-five player.