US Open 2026: Novak Djokovic Suffers First-Round Grand Slam Exit in 20 Years
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Novak Djokovic suffered a rare first-round defeat at a Grand Slam on Sunday, losing to Argentina’s Mariano Navone in a five-set match at the 2026 US Open.
The fourth-seeded Serbian was beaten 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 by Navone in a contest that lasted four hours and 36 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The result marked Djokovic’s first opening-round defeat at a Grand Slam in two decades.
Djokovic Struggles During Long Match
The 39-year-old 24-time Grand Slam champion appeared to struggle physically during the match and required medical attention for problems involving his left foot and lower back.
Djokovic also made 70 unforced errors during the contest as Navone maintained his composure and took advantage of the Serbian’s difficulties.
After the match, Djokovic said he had experienced physical problems during matches throughout the season, including repeated episodes of vomiting and cramps.
He explained that the physical issues eventually affected his movement and made it difficult to maintain his level during the final stages of the match.
Navone Records Biggest Win of His Career
For 25-year-old Navone, the victory was one of the most significant achievements of his career.
The Argentine recovered from losing the second and third sets to take control of the match in the fourth set. He then maintained his advantage in the deciding set to complete a memorable victory over one of tennis’s most successful players.
Navone said defeating his childhood idol on the Arthur Ashe Stadium court was an unforgettable moment.
Djokovic’s Long Grand Slam Streak Ends
Djokovic had never previously lost in the opening round of the US Open.
His previous first-round Grand Slam defeat came at the 2006 Australian Open, when he lost to American player Paul Goldstein.
The latest result therefore ends a remarkable 20-year run in which Djokovic consistently progressed beyond the opening stage of major tournaments.
Djokovic Set to Leave ATP Top 10
The defeat is also expected to have a major impact on Djokovic’s ranking.
He is set to fall out of the ATP top 10 for the first time since July 2018.
Despite the difficult US Open result, Djokovic has remained competitive at the major tournaments during the 2026 season. He reached the final of the Australian Open, advanced to the third round of the French Open and reached the Wimbledon semi-finals.
