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Novak Djokovic exits US Open in first round, tears on court after physical struggle against Mariano Navone. Is this the end of an era for the 24-time champ?
Novak Djokovic lost in five sets to Mariano Navone (Picture credit: AP)
24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic broke down in tears on court as his body couldn’t keep up with the gruels of a four-hour-long match, as he fell in five sets to Argentina’s Mariano Navone in the opening round of the US Open, his first 1st round-exit since 2006.
After Navone broke him in the fourth game of the deciding fifth set, Djokovic was reduced to tears as he prepared to receive the Argentine’s serve, coming to terms with the fact that, at 39, his body may no longer be capable of handling best-of-five-set matches.
Djokovic became even more emotional as the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium roared him on in the hope of one final push from him. Watch the video here:
Navone booked his place in the second round with a 7-6, 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 win against Djokovic. The loss to Navone marked only the third time Djokovic has suffered a first-round exit at a Grand Slam.
Djokovic’s first 1st-round exit at a Grand Slam came at the 2005 Australian Open, where Marat Safin defeated the Serb in straight sets. A year later in Melbourne, he again bowed out in the opening round, losing to Paul Goldstein in four sets.
Djokovic vomited on court and struggled with late-match cramps and back pain, an ‘awful feeling’ that he is becoming used to.
Despite reaching the Australian Open final and the Wimbledon semi-finals this year, Djokovic admitted that he doesn’t feel equipped to make deep runs in tournaments and is unsure how to address the problem.
Despite his struggles, Djokovic appeared to have taken control when he broke Navone for a 2-1 lead in the fourth set with a vintage backhand winner down the line.
But Navone won the next five games, raising his arms in celebration after fighting off two break points for a 5-2 lead and breaking Djokovic again to force the fifth set.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Novak Djokovic has admitted he is unsure how to address his physical struggles, which have led to him feeling unequipped to make deep runs in tournaments. He has been struggling with fitness since the start of 2026 and has withdrawn from multiple competitions due to injury concerns, including Miami, Monte Carlo, and Madrid.
Ask News18August 31, 2026, 12:54 IST
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