NEW YORK — Novak Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title suffered another setback Sunday after the 39-year-old Serb lost in the first round of the US Open, falling to Argentina’s Mariano Navone in five sets at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Navone defeated Djokovic, 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, handing the 24-time Grand Slam champion his first opening-round loss at a major tournament in 20 years.
Djokovic struggled physically throughout the match, dealing with vomiting, cramping and back pain before losing the final two sets. He said the problems have affected him throughout the 2026 season and that he has yet to find a solution.
“I’m trying, man, I’m trying,” Djokovic said. “I’m just trying to address really what’s going on and how far I can go this way.”
The defeat extended Djokovic’s wait for a 25th Grand Slam title. He won his 24th major at the 2023 US Open and has since reached two Grand Slam finals and six other semifinals.
Djokovic came close again this year when he reached the Australian Open final after defeating Jannik Sinner, but lost to Carlos Alcaraz. He also reached the Wimbledon semifinals, where Sinner ended his run.
Despite his physical struggles, Djokovic rallied from a set down against Navone and took a two-sets-to-one lead before his condition deteriorated.
Navone, ranked 49th in the world, said defeating Djokovic carried special significance after growing up watching the Serbian compete at Grand Slam tournaments.
“I got up many times so early to see Novak in Australia, to see Novak in French Open, to see Novak in US Open and going late before school,” Navone said. “It means a lot.”
Djokovic said after his Wimbledon run that he wanted to play the tournament at least one more time, but his future on the tour remains uncertain as he continues to deal with recurring physical problems.
