Mariano Navone stuns Novak Djokovic in five-set upset at U.S. Open

# Quick summary

# Match timeline

The match swung back and forth early. Djokovic opened with leads of 3-0 and 4-1 but lost the first set in a tiebreak. He rallied to take the second and third sets, but his physical problems became more pronounced as the contest wore on. Navone dominated the fourth and fifth sets as Djokovic's movement and execution deteriorated. The defeat marked Djokovic's first first-round loss at the U.S. Open and his earliest Grand Slam exit since 2006.

# Djokovic's physical issues and match stats

Djokovic repeatedly struggled with sickness and soreness during the match. He vomited at least once, grimaced after shots, grabbed at his left foot, and appeared to cramp. He swallowed pills brought by a doctor and received a lower-back massage during a medical timeout between sets four and five. He finished the match with 70 unforced errors. Afterward Djokovic said he had been carrying vomiting and cramping issues "pretty much every match this year," and that his back and shoulder gave out toward the end.

# Navone's performance and context

Navone remained composed and opportunistic. The Argentine converted multiple break points and saved several of Djokovic's break chances. Earlier this year he won his first ATP singles title. After the match Navone described the win as a dream and noted the challenge of facing what he called the game's greatest player on such a big court.

# Significance

This is a notable upset given Djokovic's record: he is the record holder with 24 major titles and had never lost in the first round at the U.S. Open. The loss raises immediate questions about Djokovic's short-term fitness and how far he can go physically in this season. For Navone, the win boosts his standing and highlights his ability to close out a long, pressure-filled match.

# Short takeaways for readers

• The scoreline: 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 to Mariano Navone.
• Match length: 4 hours, 36 minutes — the longest opening match of Djokovic's Grand Slam career.
• Djokovic's health: vomiting, cramping, medical timeout, 70 unforced errors.
• Navone: 25 years old, first ATP title earlier this year, called the victory "amazing."