Novak Djokovic exits US Open following five-set loss to Mariano Navone
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 12:54 PM
Last updated Aug 31, 2026

Novak Djokovic exited the US Open in the first round Sunday night after a five-set defeat to Mariano Navone. The 39-year-old tennis player struggled with physical discomfort and cramping during the match held in humid conditions at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Following the loss, Djokovic raised questions about his ability to continue competing at the highest level while managing an underlying health issue. The result marks his earliest departure from a grand slam tournament since he was a teenager. Despite the setback, the Serbian player has previously expressed an intention to compete until the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Djokovic’s ranking is set to drop outside the top 10 for the first time since 2018 as he prepares for the next phase of his career.
- •Novak Djokovic lost to Mariano Navone in a five-set match at the US Open.
- •The 39-year-old experienced physical distress including cramping and vomiting during the match.
- •The defeat represents his earliest grand slam tournament exit since his teenage years.
- •His world ranking will fall outside the top 10 for the first time since 2018.
- •Djokovic continues to evaluate his physical health before planning for future tournaments.
- 12:54 PMYahoo Sports — Novak Djokovic’s US Open defeat was tough to watch – the question he now faces is even harder
"Djokovic appears set on finishing his career at the 2028 Olympics but he must decide whether he can stomach the painful scenes that accompanied his first-round defeat to Mariano Navone in New York
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