Argentina’s Mariano Navone produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 US Open after defeating Novak Djokovic in the opening round at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The unseeded Argentine recovered from losing his third set to complete a five set victory over the 24 time Grand Slam champion.
Navone won the contest 7 6, 5 7, 4 6, 6 2, 6 1 after four hours and 36 minutes of intense play. The victory ended Djokovic’s attempt to continue his campaign for a record extending 25th Grand Slam title.
The result was particularly significant in Djokovic’s US Open history. Before this match, he had never failed to progress from the opening round at the tournament during his first 19 main draw appearances. His latest defeat also marked his earliest exit from a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open.
Djokovic began the contest strongly and established an early lead, but Navone gradually found his rhythm. The Argentine forced the opening set into a tie break and eventually took it 7 6. Djokovic responded by winning the second set 7 5 and then moved ahead after claiming the third set 6 4.
At that stage, Djokovic appeared to have regained control. However, his physical condition became an increasingly important factor as the match progressed. The Serbian struggled with discomfort and was seen vomiting during the contest. He also dealt with cramping, back pain and shoulder problems that affected his movement and serve.
Navone capitalised on Djokovic’s difficulties in the fourth set. The Argentine maintained pressure from the baseline and took advantage of openings in Djokovic’s game. He won the fourth set 6 2, forcing the match into a deciding fifth set.
The final set turned decisively in Navone’s favour. Djokovic appeared increasingly limited physically, while the Argentine continued to chase down balls and maintain his intensity. Navone won the decider 6 1 to complete the biggest victory of his career.
The match also represented an important moment for Navone personally. Djokovic has been one of the Argentine player’s idols, making the victory especially meaningful. After the match, Navone described defeating Djokovic in five sets as a dream come true.
Navone entered the match with a record that offered little indication of the result that would eventually unfold. The 25 year old had been more successful on clay courts than on hard courts, while Djokovic had an extensive record of success at the US Open and in five set Grand Slam matches. The circumstances made the outcome even more unexpected.
The Serbian also entered the tournament under questions about his fitness and recent form. Two weeks before the US Open, Djokovic had lost his opening match at the Cincinnati Open to another Argentine player, Thiago Agustin Tirante. His physical struggles continued in New York, although he fought until the final point and refused to abandon the match.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Djokovic acknowledged Navone’s achievement and congratulated him after the match. He also said that he had struggled physically for much of the contest and described the experience as extremely difficult.
Navone’s victory also ended Djokovic’s latest attempt to add another Grand Slam title to his record. Djokovic arrived in New York seeking his 25th major championship, but his campaign ended before the second round.
The defeat is also notable because Djokovic had continued to reach the later stages of major tournaments during the recent phase of his career. In 2026, he had reached the Australian Open final and the Wimbledon semifinals before arriving at the US Open.
The Argentine’s performance was built on consistency and persistence. According to the ATP match report, Navone created 17 break point opportunities and converted six of them. He also made 34 unforced errors compared with 70 from Djokovic, highlighting his ability to maintain discipline during the marathon match.
The victory sends Navone into the second round, where he is scheduled to face either Matteo Berrettini or Stan Wawrinka. His progress will now be closely followed after his breakthrough result against one of tennis’s most decorated players.
For Djokovic, the defeat raises fresh questions about his ability to maintain the physical demands of Grand Slam competition at the highest level. However, the result itself should not be viewed as a definitive statement about his future. Djokovic has repeatedly remained competitive deep into major tournaments even later in his career.
The 2026 US Open has therefore begun with a major surprise. Navone has advanced, while Djokovic has exited at the first hurdle in a Grand Slam for the first time in two decades. The dramatic result adds another memorable chapter to the history of the US Open and gives Navone a career defining victory on one of tennis’s biggest stages