Five sets against the GOAT: Navone savors career-defining US Open win vs. Djokovic

Argentina’s Mariano Navone struggled for words after scoring the biggest win of his career. The 25-year-old, who grew up idolizing Novak Djokovic, stunned the 39-year-old in a grueling five-set battle at the US Open on Sunday night.

Navone reveled in the win and admitted he was still amazed to beat the player he considers the greatest of all time (GOAT). “It was very difficult for me because on this field you play with the ‘GOAT,'” Navone said after the game.

“It’s definitely the best I’ve been on court. This is an amazing court and the biggest stage. It’s amazing, the way we played. I mean, five sets. I’m very happy. I don’t know. What can I say?”

Navone, ranked 49th in the world, defeated fourth seed Djokovic 6-7(5), 7-5, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 send the Serb out in the first round in four hours and 36 minutes.

The defeat ended Djokovic’s quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title and a fifth US Open crown. It was also his first major exit since the 2006 Australian Open.

For Navone, the victory was even more remarkable given his record in five-set matches. He has lost all four of his previous Grand Slam matches that have gone the distance. Meanwhile, Djokovic has won 42 of his previous 54 sets at five.

The Argentine had to fight hard from the start. Djokovic raced to a 3-0 lead in the opening set in humid conditions at Flushing Meadows, but Navone clawed back to level at 4-4 before forcing a tie-break.

Djokovic was already showing signs of discomfort and Navone took advantage to win the opener 7-6(5).

Rain then caused a brief interruption and the roof of the main pitch was closed. Djokovic responded by stepping up to take the second set 7-5.

However, the physical problems that were evident from the opening set continued to trouble him.

Djokovic threw up on the court during the third set but recovered well enough to put Navone up 5-4. He then held his serve to take the set and move to within one win.

Navone didn’t let the setback affect him. Djokovic’s movement was increasingly limited in the fourth set, with his serve also beginning to falter. Navone took control and leveled the match by winning the set 6-2.

Djokovic threw up again early in the fourth before breaking Navone’s lead for 2-1, but the Serb continued to battle physically. After hitting the shot wide, he landed awkwardly and dropped the racket.

Navone took advantage of that and cruised through the deciding set, winning 6-1 to complete a stunning victory just before midnight in New York.

Djokovic finished with 70 unforced errors and was unable to find a way past an opponent who refused to back down throughout the match.

The loss also means Djokovic drops out of the ATP top 10 for the first time in eight years.

It was another physically demanding night for the Serbian, who also struggled in Cincinnati two weeks ago. Djokovic lost to Thiago Agustin Tiranto at the tournament and was seen collapsing to his knees before throwing up in the towel.

After that match, Djokovic said he had been dealing with a “health problem” for many years that affected him in the heat and humidity.

Conditions in New York were warm and humid, though not as extreme as in Cincinnati. Djokovic was already visibly struggling halfway through the first set, his cheeks were flushed and his hair soaked in sweat.

However, for Navone, the conditions and the opportunity did not stand in the way of completing the biggest victory of his career.

The meaning was not lost on him. Djokovic was his idol growing up and beating him at the US Open was a dream moment.

“It means a lot to me. It’s a dream come true. 100% for sure,” Navone said.

After four hours and 36 minutes on court, however, the Argentine had one thing on his mind. “It’s almost 12 o’clock. We have to go to bed,” he said.

– The end

Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

31 Aug 2026 10:11 IST