Novak Djokovic, seeded fourth at the 2026 US Open, lost in the first round to Mariano Navone in a grueling five-set match on August 30, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The Argentine player, ranked 49th, won 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a match lasting four hours and 36 minutes, the longest first-round match of Djokovic's career [1, 2, 4, 5].
Djokovic, 39, suffered multiple physical problems during the match, including vomiting several times, cramps, back and shoulder pain, and overall distress [2, 6, 4, 5, 3]. He took a medical timeout for a back massage and medication but struggled to finish [6, 3]. Djokovic said after the match, "It is something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year. Vomiting, throwing up, serious issue there, and then my whole body starts to collapse" [3].
The match was played under humid conditions with the roof closed at Arthur Ashe Stadium due to rain, adding to the physical challenge [4, 5]. This defeat marked Djokovic's first-ever first-round loss at the US Open, breaking his streak of 78 consecutive Grand Slam first-round wins dating back 20 years [1, 7, 8]. It was also his earliest Grand Slam exit since 2006 [1, 2]. Djokovic came in having won 24 Grand Slam titles and was aiming for a record 25th [2, 6].
Navone, 25, called the win "a dream come true" and said, "Five sets, against the GOAT, it's not something you do every day. I'm very happy. It means a lot to me" [4].
Djokovic congratulated Navone with grace despite his distress [2, 9]. His family, including wife Jelena and children Stefan and Tara, were in attendance during the match [9]. Djokovic had missed Roger Federer's Hall of Fame induction ceremony on August 29, sending a video message instead to congratulate the longtime rival [10].
Djokovic had also struggled recently in Cincinnati under similar humid conditions, signaling ongoing physical issues throughout the 2026 season [5, 8, 11]. His next scheduled event is not publicly confirmed yet following this US Open exit.
