Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Djokovic Suffers Shock US Open Exit Amid Severe Physical Struggles
Novak Djokovic lost his first match at the US Open to Mariano Navone.
Djokovic is one of the most successful tennis players ever and was trying to win another major title.
He said he had been vomiting and suffering from cramps and serious pain.
His back and shoulder also became difficult to use.
Djokovic was ahead for part of the match, but his body became weaker.
He said he even thought about stopping, but decided to continue playing.
Navone eventually won the match after more than four hours.
Djokovic thanked the New York crowd for supporting him and said their kindness touched him.
Novak Djokovic lost to Argentina’s Mariano Navone in the US Open first round.
Djokovic said vomiting, cramping, back pain and shoulder problems affected his performance.
He led by two sets to one and was a break ahead in the fourth set.
The match lasted more than four hours, with Navone winning 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
The defeat ended Djokovic’s run of avoiding Grand Slam opening-round losses since the 2006 Australian Open.
- Who
- Novak Djokovic lost to Argentina’s Mariano Navone.
- What
- Djokovic suffered a first-round US Open defeat after physical problems affected his play.
- When
- Monday (IST); a calendar date is not provided.
- Where
- Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open in New York.
- Why
- Djokovic said vomiting, cramping, back pain, shoulder pain and broader physical struggles prevented him from finishing strongly.
- Winner
- Mariano Navone of Argentina
- Defeated player
- Novak Djokovic
- Tournament
- US Open
- Match score
- Navone won 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
- Match duration
- More than four hours
- Djokovic’s Grand Slam titles
- 24
- Physical problems reported
- Vomiting, cramping, back pain, shoulder pain and severe bodily discomfort
- Historical significance
- It was Djokovic’s first Grand Slam opening-round defeat since the 2006 Australian Open.
