Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Novak Djokovic Falls in First-Round US Open Shock
Novak Djokovic lost his first match at the 2026 U.S. Open.
He was beaten by Argentina’s Mariano Navone in five sets.
Djokovic had never lost his first U.S. Open match before.
The match lasted more than four and a half hours.
Djokovic became sick and had trouble with his legs during the match.
Sofia Kenin also won a late match against Venus Williams.
Rain and a stadium roof problem delayed several other matches.
The tournament is also being renovated and is expected to finish the work before the 2027 U.S. Open.
Mariano Navone defeated fourth-seeded Novak Djokovic 7-6, 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a match lasting more than 4½ hours.
Djokovic lost his U.S. Open opening round for the first time after winning his previous 19 first-round matches there.
The 39-year-old Djokovic vomited and struggled with leg problems during the match.
Sofia Kenin defeated 46-year-old Venus Williams after their match began shortly after midnight.
Rain disrupted seven matches, while a roof-sensor issue delayed play at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
- Who
- Novak Djokovic and Mariano Navone were the main players involved; Navone won.
- What
- Navone defeated Djokovic in the U.S. Open first round, ending Djokovic’s 19-match first-round winning streak at the tournament.
- When
- The opening day of the 2026 U.S. Open took place on Sunday, with some matches continuing past midnight.
- Where
- The matches were played at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.
- Why
- Navone advanced because he won the five-set match; Djokovic’s defeat came as he dealt with vomiting and leg problems.
- Result
- Mariano Navone defeated Novak Djokovic 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
- Djokovic’s record
- He had been 19-0 in U.S. Open first-round matches.
- Djokovic’s tournament status
- The No. 4 seed and four-time champion was eliminated in the opening round.
- Match duration
- The match lasted more than 4½ hours.
- Late-night match
- Sofia Kenin defeated Venus Williams 6-2, 7-6 (6) after play began past midnight.
- Weather disruption
- Seven matches could not be completed because of rain.
- Renovation
- An $800 million, three-year renovation of Arthur Ashe Stadium is scheduled for completion before the 2027 U.S. Open.