Djokovic Suffers Shock US Open First-Round Defeat as Medvedev and Pegula Advance
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Novak Djokovic suffered a surprising first-round exit at the US Open on Sunday, ending his hopes of claiming another Grand Slam title after losing to unseeded Argentine Mariano Navone.
The 39-year-old Serbian, who was targeting his fifth US Open championship and a record 25th Grand Slam trophy, was beaten 7-6(7/5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The defeat marked Djokovic’s earliest exit from a Grand Slam tournament in more than 20 years. His previous first-round loss at a major came at the 2006 Australian Open.
Djokovic Struggles With Physical Problems
Djokovic battled through a difficult match while dealing with shoulder and back issues. He also became unwell during the contest and struggled physically as the match progressed.
Speaking after the defeat, Djokovic said he had been dealing with similar physical difficulties during matches this season.
Despite reaching the Australian Open final and the Wimbledon semi-finals earlier in the year, the Serbian admitted that his current physical condition could make it difficult to make deep runs at major tournaments.
The loss came as a major surprise, particularly with world number one Jannik Sinner absent from the tournament and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz returning after an injury absence.
Navone Records Biggest Win of Career
Mariano Navone produced the biggest victory of his career by overcoming Djokovic on one of tennis’s biggest stages.
The Argentine, ranked 49th in the world, said facing Djokovic was a special experience because of his admiration for the Serbian champion.
Navone recovered from a difficult start and remained focused as Djokovic’s physical problems became more noticeable during the later stages of the match.
The win earned Navone a place in the second round and added one of the tournament’s biggest surprises to the opening day’s action.
Medvedev Starts Strong
Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev avoided an early upset by defeating French qualifier Hugo Gaston in straight sets.
Medvedev won 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, producing a composed performance after a disappointing run at recent tournaments in Montreal and Cincinnati.
The Russian said he was pleased with the quality of his tennis after a challenging few weeks leading into the tournament.
Pegula Moves Into Second Round
American world number three Jessica Pegula also advanced comfortably.
The 2024 US Open finalist defeated Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-2 to progress to the next round in front of the home crowd.
Pegula will next face Sofia Kenin, who defeated fellow American Venus Williams 6-2, 7-6(8/6) in a match that started shortly after midnight and became the latest-starting women’s match in US Open history.
Other Results
Twice Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova became the first seeded women’s player to leave the tournament after Kamilla Rakhimova defeated her 7-6(7/4), 6-2.
Jasmine Paolini overcame Slovenia’s Veronika Erjavec 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 to secure her place in the next round.
Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk beat Australia’s Storm Hunter 6-4, 6-1, while compatriot Elina Svitolina defeated Solana Sierra 6-1, 6-2.
Jiri Lehecka defeated Pablo Carreno Busta 6-1, 7-6(7/5), 4-6, 6-2, while Dino Prizmic edged Aleksandr Shevchenko in a five-set battle.
Jaume Munar also needed five sets and nearly five hours to defeat Terence Atmane 6-7(5/7), 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(7/4), 7-5.
Former champion Marin Cilic and 2022 runner-up Casper Ruud withdrew from the tournament because of injuries shortly after the opening rounds began.
