Novak Djokovic Suffers First-Ever US Open First-Round Exit
· World
Novak Djokovic has suffered a stunning first-round exit at the US Open for the first time in his career, falling to Argentina’s Mariano Navone in a dramatic five-set battle.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion was defeated 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-4, 2-6, 1-6 at Arthur Ashe Stadium in a match that lasted four hours and 36 minutes.
The defeat marks Djokovic’s earliest exit at a Grand Slam since 2006 and ends his latest attempt to win a record-breaking 25th major title. He had never previously lost in the opening round at the US Open.
Djokovic, 39, struggled physically throughout the match, battling illness, cramping and pain before Navone pulled away decisively in the final two sets.
The 25-year-old Navone, ranked No. 49 in the world, produced the biggest victory of his career, overcoming the four-time US Open champion in a match that finished just before midnight in New York.
The shock defeat has also raised fresh questions about Djokovic’s future, although the Serbian great has not announced any decision regarding retirement.