Overview
- Novak Djokovic lost to Mariano Navone in five sets, 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, 6-4, 2-6, 1-6, in a 4-hour-36-minute match that ended his US Open campaign.
- Djokovic was visibly unwell on court, repeatedly vomiting, receiving on-court medical treatment for back and muscle problems, and at times appearing tearful during the match.
- The defeat ended Djokovic’s long streak of opening-round Grand Slam wins and marked his first first-round exit at the US Open in 20 appearances.
- The loss, reported across outlets on Monday, follows a troubled lead-up including limited match play since Wimbledon and an earlier first-round loss in Cincinnati that showed similar nausea and heat-sensitivity.
- With Djokovic out, Alexander Zverev and returning champion Carlos Alcaraz become clearer title favorites, and the result raises fresh questions about how long Djokovic can compete at the highest level as he pursues a 25th major.