Novak Djokovic suffered one of the biggest shocks of the 2026 US Open after being eliminated in the first round by unseeded Argentine Mariano Navone.
Navone completed a remarkable comeback to defeat the 24 time Grand Slam champion 7 6, 5 7, 4 6, 6 2, 6 1 in a contest that lasted four hours and 36 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The victory became the biggest result of Navone’s career and ended Djokovic’s campaign for a record extending 25th Grand Slam singles title.
The result was particularly significant because Djokovic had never previously lost in the opening round of the US Open during his first 19 main draw appearances at the tournament. His defeat also represented his earliest exit from a Grand Slam event since the 2006 Australian Open.
Djokovic started the match with the experience and reputation of a four time US Open champion, but Navone showed little fear against one of the most successful players in tennis history. The opening set was decided in a tie break, with Navone taking it 7 6.
Djokovic responded strongly in the second set, using his experience and consistency to level the match by winning 5 7. He then took the third set 4 6 to move ahead and appeared to have gained control of the contest.
However, Djokovic’s physical problems became increasingly apparent as the match progressed. The Serbian struggled with vomiting, cramping and pain in his back and shoulder. He later explained that his body was deteriorating during the match and that the physical issues affected his ability to compete at his normal level.
Despite being ahead by two sets to one and holding an advantage in the fourth set, Djokovic was unable to maintain his momentum. Navone continued to fight for every point and took advantage of Djokovic’s movement and serving difficulties.
Navone won the fourth set 6 2, forcing a deciding fifth set. By then Djokovic was visibly struggling, while the Argentine maintained his intensity and confidence.
The final set became one way traffic. Navone took control early and eventually won 6 1 to complete the greatest victory of his career. Djokovic remained on court despite his physical difficulties and fought until the conclusion of the match.
After the match, Djokovic acknowledged the severity of his physical problems. He said he had been dealing with similar difficulties throughout the season and described the experience of playing under those conditions as extremely difficult. He also credited the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd for supporting him throughout the contest.
For Navone, the result was a career defining moment. The Argentine had entered the tournament without a seeding and faced a player with 24 Grand Slam titles and four US Open championships. Beating Djokovic in a five set Grand Slam match represented the biggest achievement of his professional career.
Navone also showed impressive mental strength after losing the third set. Instead of allowing Djokovic’s experience to dictate the match, he continued attacking and remained competitive from the baseline. His persistence became particularly important once Djokovic began experiencing physical problems.
The match was also notable because Djokovic had entered the tournament with questions about his fitness. He had suffered an early defeat at the Cincinnati Open before arriving in New York and had acknowledged the importance of using the extra time to prepare physically and mentally for the US Open.
At 39, Djokovic was attempting to become the oldest player in the modern era to win another Grand Slam singles title while also seeking a record 25th major championship. His first round elimination means that those ambitions will have to wait until another tournament.
The defeat also adds uncertainty to Djokovic’s immediate future at the US Open. After the match, questions were raised about whether the repeated physical problems he has experienced this season could affect his ability to continue competing at the highest level.
Djokovic himself admitted that he does not yet know how far he can continue while dealing with the health and fitness problems he has experienced throughout the year. He said his focus remains on understanding and addressing what is causing the recurring issues.
The result represents a major opportunity for Navone. The Argentine now moves into the second round and will carry the confidence of having defeated one of the most accomplished players in tennis history.
The match also underlined the unpredictable nature of Grand Slam tennis. Even the most decorated players can be vulnerable when facing physical problems against an opponent capable of maintaining pressure for several hours.
For Djokovic, the loss is one of the most disappointing results of his long career at the US Open. The tournament has been one of his strongest Grand Slam events, and he entered the 2026 edition hoping to add another title to his four previous championships.
His latest defeat means the focus will now shift to his recovery and preparation for upcoming tournaments. Whether he returns to the court quickly or takes additional time to address his physical concerns will be closely watched by tennis fans.
For Navone, meanwhile, the victory provides a major breakthrough. The 25 year old Argentine has now established himself on one of the sport’s biggest stages by defeating a player whose career includes 24 Grand Slam titles, numerous major records and four US Open championships.
The upset also adds to a growing list of memorable first round results in Grand Slam history. Navone’s victory was especially dramatic because Djokovic had recovered to lead by two sets to one before the Argentine fought back to win the final two sets.
The statistics further illustrate the battle. Navone converted six of his 17 break point opportunities and made 34 unforced errors, while Djokovic committed 70 unforced errors during the marathon contest, according to the ATP match report.
The significance of the result extends beyond a single match. Djokovic’s first round departure creates a more open US Open draw, while Navone advances with increased confidence after overcoming one of the tournament’s most experienced competitors.
The 2026 US Open has therefore produced a major surprise at the very beginning of the men’s singles competition. A physically troubled Djokovic was unable to close out a match he had led, while Navone produced the determination required to complete a remarkable comeback.
For Djokovic, the night ended in disappointment and uncertainty. For Navone, it became the biggest night of his career. The Argentine’s five set victory will remain one of the defining moments of the opening stages of the 2026 US Open and one of the most significant upsets of his career.