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Djokovic suffers earliest Grand Slam exit in 20 years after Navone upset

Posted : 31 August 2026

Novak Djokovic suffered his earliest Grand Slam exit in two decades after Argentina’s Mariano Navone defeated him in a five-set thriller in the first round of the 2026 US Open.

Navone, ranked 48th in the world, overcame the 24-time Grand Slam champion 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a gruelling contest that lasted four hours and 36 minutes. The victory ended Djokovic’s hopes of winning a record 25th major title and snapped his run of 78 consecutive Grand Slam first-round victories.

Djokovic appeared to be struggling physically throughout the match, vomiting on court and battling cramps, back pain and other discomfort. Despite taking a two-sets-to-one lead, the Serbian could not maintain his momentum as his physical condition deteriorated in the closing stages.

The 39-year-old briefly appeared to have regained control after breaking Navone early in the fourth set, but the Argentine responded by winning five consecutive games to force a decider. Djokovic then received medical treatment before the fifth set, but Navone quickly moved 3-0 ahead and never looked back.

Navone maintained his composure despite facing one of the greatest players in tennis history. The Argentine, who was playing Djokovic for the first time, completed the biggest victory of his career and advanced to the second round.

For Djokovic, the defeat raises further questions about the physical issues that have affected him throughout the 2026 season. He said after the match that the problems had been present in almost every match this year and admitted he was unsure how to resolve them.

Despite the painful defeat, Djokovic expressed his appreciation for the New York crowd, who continued to support him throughout the match and gave him a warm reception after his exit.

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