US Open: Novak Djokovic loses in 1st round, cries on court before shock exit

Novak Djokovic broke down in tears as his US Open campaign ended with a painful first-round defeat to Mariano Navon, the Serb’s latest bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title hit a roadblock in New York. The fourth seed fought back from a set down, but after battling serious physical problems all night, he eventually fell 6-7, 7-5, 6-4, 2-6, 1-6.

Djokovic’s physical problems were evident from the early stages on the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Before the roof was closed due to inclement weather, the 39-year-old repeatedly used an ice pack on his head, found it uncomfortable in the humid New York conditions, and even asked the manager if the air conditioning could be turned on after the roof was closed.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:

Novak Djokovic looks very emotional 1-3 in the 5th set against Navona at the US Open.

It definitely hurts physically, but it also feels like emotional tears.

4 or more hours at age 39.

The New York crowd tries to spur him on to another heroic comeback.

pic.twitter.com/QsZqF0Z04o— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 31, 2026

His problems intensified in the third set, when Djokovic vomited several times during the sixth game. He crouched at the back of the court before continuing while the tournament’s physio provided him with tablets and his team supplied him with on-court fluids as the match stretched into the fourth hour.

Still, Djokovic somehow managed to turn the match around. After losing the opening set in an error-filled tiebreak, he battled back to win the second 7-5 and then the third 6-4, moving within a set of victory despite the physical toll.

However, Navone refused to allow the comeback to happen. The Argentine took control in the fourth set, winning it 6-2 before taking the deciding role and leaving Djokovic facing a desperate fight to stay alive.

DJOKOVIC’S TEARS DEFINE THE DECISION

The fifth set quickly became increasingly difficult for Djokovic. As Navone pushed further forward to build a 4-1 lead, the Serb looked completely exhausted, struggling to match the Argentine’s intensity and unable to find the energy to fuel his comeback.

Then came the highlight of the night. Djokovic began to cry on court during the deciding set, visibly distressed as he watched the match slip away.

The tears came after hours of battling heat, dehydration, disease and a relentless opponent. His wife Jelena was also visibly upset in the stands as Djokovic tried to elicit another response.

Navone stayed poised until the closing stages, eventually closing out the fifth set 6-1 to complete one of the biggest wins of his career. Djokovic’s extraordinary turn ultimately failed.

25. TITLE PUSHES BLOCKING

Djokovic came to Flushing Meadows chasing his 25th Grand Slam singles title, which would have given him the all-time record for major men’s singles titles. He was also four wins away from surpassing Jimmy Connors’ record of 98 US Open matches.

Instead, his latest move hit a snag after one of the most physically demanding opening round matches of his career.

The defeat also ended an outstanding Grand Slam streak. Djokovic won 78 consecutive opening-round matches at majors before being stopped by Navone, with his previous first-round defeat coming against Paul Goldstein at the 2006 Australian Open.

Djokovic entered the tournament with limited preparation, playing just one match during the North American hard court swing. His campaign in Cincinnati ended with a loss to Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante, where he also struggled with heat and humidity.

Even his preparation on the day of the match was unusual. After Daniil Medvedev beat Hugo Gaston, Djokovic took advantage of a gap at the Arthur Ashe Stadium to make a late hit shortly before facing Navon.

Defeat brings his US Open campaign to a premature end, while his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title will have to continue beyond Flushing Meadows.

– The end

Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

31 Aug 2026 09:27 IST