Novak Djokovic loses to Mariano Navone in US Open first round
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 6:38 AM
Last updated Aug 31, 2026
Novak Djokovic exited the US Open in the first round after a five-set loss to Mariano Navone on August 31. The 24-time grand slam champion fell 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a match lasting four hours and 36 minutes. Djokovic, who struggled with persistent physical issues including cramping and illness, stated that he found the experience on court to be deeply unpleasant. This defeat marks his first opening-round exit at a major tournament since 2006. The Serbian player acknowledged that his health condition remains a serious concern that he intends to address. Navone secured the result in what stands as the most significant victory of his professional career.
- •Mariano Navone defeated Novak Djokovic 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
- •The match lasted four hours and 36 minutes at the US Open.
- •Djokovic cited recurring health issues involving vomiting and muscle cramping.
- •This was the first opening-round major exit for Djokovic since 2006.
- 6:38 AMYahoo Sports — Novak Djokovic ‘despised’ every moment of five-set US Open defeat
- 5:50 AMYahoo Sports — Novak Djokovic says he despised every moment of five-set US Open loss
"Novak Djokovic said he "despised" every moment of the five-set, near five-hour ordeal which ended his US Open hopes in the first round. The 39-year-old also admitted the underlying health issue he first revealed two weeks ago was "serious", although he remains intent on getting the problem fixed.
"The exit is the 39-year-old’s first in the opening round of a major since Paul Goldstein beat him at the Australian Open in 2006
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 6:38 AMNovak Djokovic ‘despised’ every moment of five-set US Open defeat
The exit is the 39-year-old’s first in the opening round of a major since Paul Goldstein beat him at the Australian Open in 2006
- Yahoo SportsAug 31, 2026, 5:50 AMNovak Djokovic says he despised every moment of five-set US Open loss
Novak Djokovic said he "despised" every moment of the five-set, near five-hour ordeal which ended his US Open hopes in the first round. The 39-year-old also admitted the underlying health issue he first revealed two weeks ago was "serious", although he remains intent on getting the problem fixed.
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