Novak Djokovic’s First-Round Shock Exit at the 2026 US Open

Serbian world No. 1 Novak Djokovic was defeated by Argentina’s Mariano Navone in a five-set marathon (7-6, 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1) that lasted 4 hours 36 minutes. The loss marked Djokovic’s earliest departure from a Grand Slam since his opening-round defeat to Paul Goldstein at the 2006 Australian Open and ended a 78-match streak of opening-round wins at majors.

ESPNDjokovic crashes out of US Open in first-round shock The Sydney Morning HeraldThe Hindu

Entering the tournament as the No. 4 seed and record holder with 24 major titles, Djokovic had been plagued by recurring health problems throughout 2026. His last first-round loss at a major was 21 years earlier, underscoring the historic nature of the upset.

ESPN

• Final score: Navone def. Djokovic 7-6, 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.

Djokovic crashes out of US Open in first-round shock

• Match duration: 4 hours 36 minutes – the longest opening-round match of Djokovic’s career.

ESPN

• Unforced errors: Djokovic committed 70.

ESPN

• Medical timeout: Djokovic received treatment for back pain and took medication between the fourth and fifth sets.

ESPN

• Rankings impact: The defeat is expected to drop Djokovic out of the ATP Top 10 for the first time since July 2018.

ESPN

• Historical note: Navone became the first Argentine to beat Djokovic at a Grand Slam since Guillermo Coria in 2005 and recorded his first career five-set win on the ATP Tour.

Djokovic crashes out of US Open in first-round shock

Navone described the victory as a “dream come true,” noting that playing the “GOAT” on such a stage was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Both players expressed respect for each other’s effort despite the dramatic swing in momentum.

Djokovic crashes out of US Open in shock first-round defeat

• “It's something that I've been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year: vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there,” — Novak Djokovic

ESPN

• “I was a break up in the fourth, but just struggled all the way since the fourth game of the match,” — Novak Djokovic

Tennis, ATP – US Open 2026: Navone takes out Djokovic

• “It was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me,” — Novak Djokovic

Djokovic crashes out of US Open in shock first-round defeat

• “Five sets, against the GOAT, it’s not something you do every day. I’m very happy,” — Mariano Navone

Djokovic crashes out of US Open in shock first-round defeat

• “I didn’t want to give up in fourth or fifth,” — Novak Djokovic

Djokovic crashes out of US Open in shock first-round defeat

• “It’s amazing the way we play. I mean, five sets against the GOAT [greatest of all-time] ... I’m very happy. I don’t know what I can say,” — Mariano Navone

The Sydney Morning Herald

Djokovic’s exit eliminates any chance of pursuing a 25th major title at this tournament and guarantees that the second round will be the first since the 2003 French Open without any of the sport’s “Big Three.” The loss also raises questions about his long-term health and future competitiveness, especially as he approaches the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Navone’s breakthrough win propels him into the spotlight and secures his second career top-10 victory.

Djokovic crashes out of US Open in first-round shock