Novak Djokovic, widely hailed as a top tennis player of recent times, faced an unexpected early defeat at the U.S. Open. On Sunday night, the renowned 24-time Grand Slam winner was eliminated in the first round of the 2026 tournament. He was defeated by Argentina’s Mariano Navone in straight sets, with scores of 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.

Djokovic, at 39 years of age, encountered significant challenges during the match. He committed 10 double faults and registered 70 unforced errors. After the match, he shared that he was coping with multiple physical issues. “It’s been a recurring problem, affecting nearly every match this year: vomiting, throwing up, which is serious,” Djokovic stated. “My body begins to fail, leading to cramps and pain. Ultimately, my back and shoulder couldn’t hold up, preventing me from closing the match effectively.”

The defeat was particularly notable as it marked Djokovic’s first early exit at the U.S. Open, a tournament he has previously won three times. Entering as the fourth seed, Djokovic was unable to secure a lasting advantage over Navone. Reflecting on his performance, Djokovic expressed dissatisfaction, saying, “I struggled consistently from the fourth game. The match and how I felt physically were far from enjoyable, and being on the court was something I despised in those moments.”

Mariano Navone, who grew up admiring Djokovic, found the victory both challenging and rewarding. He remarked, “Playing against the ‘GOAT’ on this court was tough. It’s the best experience I’ve had. The match was intense, spanning five sets. I’m delighted, truly.”

At 25, Navone’s career is on the rise. Earlier in the year, he secured his first ATP tournament victory in Romania.