Novak Djokovic exits US Open following first-round loss to Mariano Navone
5 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 5:06 AM
Last updated Sep 1, 2026
Novak Djokovic exited the 2026 US Open on August 30 after falling to Mariano Navone in a five-set match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The final score was 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, marking the first time in 20 appearances that Djokovic has lost in the opening round of the tournament. During the four-hour and 36-minute contest, the 39-year-old dealt with significant physical distress, including recurring bouts of vomiting and cramping that eventually impacted his back and shoulder. Djokovic stated he had struggled with these health issues throughout his matches this season. This result concludes a difficult campaign for the Serb, who had already faced early exits in several other major events earlier this year.
- •Mariano Navone beat Novak Djokovic in five sets at the US Open on August 30.
- •The loss marks Djokovic's first opening-round defeat in 20 tournament appearances.
- •Djokovic experienced vomiting, cramping, and back pain during the match.
- •The match lasted four hours and 36 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
- 5:06 AMYahoo Sports — Novak Djokovic Admits to ‘Awful Feeling on the Court’ After 2026 US Open Shocker: What Went Wrong?
- 6:23 PMYahoo Sports — Novak Djokovic Posts 4-Word Message After Falling Severely Ill During US Open Upset
- 4:44 PMYahoo Sports — What to Know About Novak Djokovic’s Health After His Surprise Defeat at the US Open
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- 5:42 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Whole Body Starts To Collapse’ – Novak Djokovic Addresses Harsh Reality After US Open Upset
"There were tears in Novak Djokovic's eyes as he held serve late in the fifth set of his Sunday US Open first match. Hypothetically, four years ago, this would be the point where the Serb would bring out his arsenal, lock down, and withstand his opponent. The tears, however, suggested that Djokovic's body had betrayed …
"Novak Djokovic’s 2026 US Open campaign was a surprisingly brief one. The four-time champion appeared out of sorts as he battled Argentina’s resilient Mariano Navone under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday, August 30.
"Novak Djokovic cited issues with his fitness level after his first opening-round loss at a Grand Slam in over two decades at the 2026 U.S. Open.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 1, 2026, 5:06 AMNovak Djokovic Admits to ‘Awful Feeling on the Court’ After 2026 US Open Shocker: What Went Wrong?
There were tears in Novak Djokovic's eyes as he held serve late in the fifth set of his Sunday US Open first match. Hypothetically, four years ago, this would be the point where the Serb would bring out his arsenal, lock down, and withstand his opponent. The tears, however, suggested that Djokovic's body had betrayed …
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 6:23 PMNovak Djokovic Posts 4-Word Message After Falling Severely Ill During US Open Upset
Djokovic broke down in tears during the final set of the 4.5 hour match
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 4:44 PMWhat to Know About Novak Djokovic’s Health After His Surprise Defeat at the US Open
The Serbian tennis star lost in the first round of the 2026 US Open to Argentina’s Mariano Navone
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 1:47 PMU.S. Open 2026: Novak Djokovic struggles with 'serious issue' in early upset loss
Novak Djokovic cited issues with his fitness level after his first opening-round loss at a Grand Slam in over two decades at the 2026 U.S. Open.
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 5:42 AM‘Whole Body Starts To Collapse’ – Novak Djokovic Addresses Harsh Reality After US Open Upset
Novak Djokovic’s 2026 US Open campaign was a surprisingly brief one. The four-time champion appeared out of sorts as he battled Argentina’s resilient Mariano Navone under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday, August 30.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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