Historic US Open Upset
Mariano Navone Shocks Novak Djokovic With Historic First-Round Upset at US Open
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Key Points
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Navone is ranked No. 49 in the world and does not own an ATP Tour-level title, marking a rare breakout win against a tennis great.
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Djokovic had not lost in the first round of a major since 2006, underscoring how unusual this exit was for him at a Grand Slam.
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He arrived at the US Open after a first‑round defeat in Cincinnati, signaling lingering health concerns heading into the tournament.
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During the match, Djokovic used an ice bag on his head and, after the roof was closed due to rain, asked whether the air conditioning could be switched on to ease the humid conditions.
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Djokovic's wife Jelena and their children, Stefan and Tara, were in attendance for the historic loss.
Novak Djokovic, the No. 4 seed and 39-year-old tennis legend, lost in the first round of the US Open for the first time in his career. CNN reported that Mariano Navone, ranked No. 49 and without an ATP title to his name, upset Djokovic 7-6, 5-7, 6-4, 2-6, 6-1 in a four-hour marathon match. The defeat marks Djokovic's earliest exit from a Grand Slam since 2006 and raises questions about whether this could be his final appearance in New York.
Djokovic battled visible illness throughout the match, vomiting on court and requiring medical assistance as the roof closed due to rain. NY Post noted he played in humid, uncomfortable conditions indoors, using an ice bag on his head and asking for air conditioning relief. His wife Jelena and their two children watched from the stands as the comeback victory slipped away from the four-time US Open champion.
The Collapse Begins After Cincinnati Loss
Djokovic arrived at the US Open already weakened. He suffered a CNN first-round defeat in Cincinnati just days before, signaling lingering health concerns heading into the tournament. The back-to-back early exits represent an unprecedented low point for a player who has dominated Grand Slams for two decades and holds 24 major titles.
Navone Seizes Opportunity in Roof-Closed Battle
Navone, 25, mounted a come-from-behind performance after losing the opening set in a tiebreak. LA Times reported the match stretched to four hours as the 49th-ranked Navone overturned his deficit and controlled the final two sets. The Argentine broke through against one of tennis's greatest players on one of its biggest stages, delivering a rare upset victory.
Humidity and Heat Drain Djokovic Through Five Sets
The roof closure due to rain created a humid environment that visibly affected Djokovic's movement and endurance. CNN reported he vomited during the third set and relied on medical support, including an inhaler and tablets. He used an ice bag on his head repeatedly and requested air conditioning help—requests that highlighted his physical distress as dehydration and exhaustion mounted.
An Unprecedented First Round Exit for a Tennis Icon
Djokovic had not lost in the opening round of a major since the 2006 Australian Open, according to CNN. This 18-year streak made his loss to Navone a historic milestone. Reports suggest this could signal the end of Djokovic's era at the US Open and raise doubts about his quest for a 25th Grand Slam title as he enters the final chapter of his playing career.
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