New York: Mariano Navone produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 US Open, defeating fourth-seeded Novak Djokovic in five sets to end the Serbian's bid for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title in the opening round.Navone, ranked 49th in the world, prevailed 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a gruelling contest that lasted four hours and 36 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium.The defeat was particularly significant for Djokovic. The 39-year-old had never previously lost in the first round of the US Open, while his last first-round exit at any Grand Slam had come at the 2006 Australian Open.
Djokovic fought back before Navone turned the match
Navone took the opening set in a tiebreak, but Djokovic responded in typical fashion, winning the next two sets 7-5 and 6-4 to move within one set of victory.The momentum changed dramatically in the fourth set. Navone broke Djokovic's resistance to take it 6-2, before carrying the momentum into the decider.The Argentine then dominated the fifth set 6-1 to complete the biggest victory of his career and claim his first five-set win. Before this match, Navone had been 0-4 in five-set encounters.
Djokovic struggled physically
Djokovic's challenge was made harder by visible physical problems during the match. He vomited on court and later appeared to struggle with cramps and discomfort around his lower back and shoulder.Despite those problems, Djokovic continued the match and managed to win the second and third sets. However, Navone maintained his intensity and took advantage as the Serbian's movement and consistency deteriorated.Djokovic finished with 70 unforced errors, underlining how difficult the match became for the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
A landmark win for Navone
Navone entered the match with a major experience gap against Djokovic. The Argentine had a 6-10 record at Grand Slam level before the contest and had struggled on hard courts, while Djokovic had won 95 matches at the US Open before the upset.The 25-year-old nevertheless held his nerve against one of tennis's most decorated players.After the victory, Navone described beating Djokovic as the biggest win of his career. The Argentine, who had grown up admiring Djokovic, also acknowledged the significance of winning a five-set battle against a player he considers the greatest of all time.For Djokovic, the result ends another attempt to move clear at the top of the men's Grand Slam list. He remains on 24 major titles, while Navone advances to the second round of the US Open.
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