Navone stuns Djokovic at 2026 US Open in five-set first-round shock
Synopsis
For the first time since 2006, Novak Djokovic lost in the opening round of a Grand Slam — and it was not close at the end. Mariano Navone, 0-4 in five-setters entering the night, outlasted a visibly ailing Djokovic in the longest first-round match in major history, slamming shut what had looked like Djokovic's clearest path to a 25th Slam title in years.
Key Takeaways
Mariano Navone defeated Novak Djokovic 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in the first round of the 2026 US Open on Monday .
The match lasted 4 hours 36 minutes — the longest opening-round contest in Grand Slam history.
It is Djokovic's first first-round Grand Slam defeat since the 2006 Australian Open .
Djokovic, 39 , struggled physically, vomiting on multiple occasions and showing visible distress in the fifth set.
With Jannik Sinner absent through injury and Carlos Alcaraz returning from a long layoff, Djokovic had been considered a strong title contender.
Navone had been 0-4 in five-set matches and 12-29 on hard courts at tour level before this result.
Mariano Navone produced one of the biggest upsets in recent Grand Slam history on Monday at the 2026 US Open, defeating Novak Djokovic in five sets at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York to send the four-time US Open champion crashing out in the first round. The scoreline — 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 — belied a match that unfolded over a gruelling four hours and 36 minutes, the longest opening-round contest in major tennis history.
How the Match Unfolded
Djokovic, seeded fourth at Flushing Meadows, appeared competitive through the opening three sets before the match turned decisively in Navone's favour. The Argentine dominated the final two sets, winning them 6-2, 6-1 as the Serbian's physical condition visibly deteriorated under the closed roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The defeat marks Djokovic's first opening-round loss at a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open — a streak of nearly two decades of at least reaching the second round at majors. Heading into the match, the 39-year-old held a 42-12 record in five-set matches; Navone was 0-4 in the same format and just 12-29 in tour-level hard-court matches.
Djokovic's Physical Struggles
The physical troubles that had affected Djokovic during a recent defeat in Cincinnati resurfaced through the night session. The 101-time tour-level titlist struggled with his movement on multiple occasions and was seen vomiting during the match. After holding serve to trail 1-3 in the fifth set, Djokovic was visibly emotional, drawing tears while standing behind the baseline as the crowd urged him on.
Despite the support, he was unable to mount a recovery. On match point, Navone scrambled to retrieve a drop volley and placed the ball into the open court, before the two players embraced at the net just before midnight. Djokovic, an ATP No. 1 Club member, paused to sign autographs for fans on his way off the court.
Navone's Reaction
'It's amazing. The way we played, five sets against the GOAT,' Navone said, according to the ATP Tour website. 'I'm very happy. I don't know, what can I say?' The Argentine, for whom Djokovic is reportedly an idol, added: 'It's unbelievable. It means a lot for me. It's a dream come true, I mean seriously, 100 per cent. Now I have to recover. I think it's almost 12 o'clock, so we have to go to sleep.'
Wider Context and What It Means
The upset carries added weight given the state of the draw. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner is absent from the tournament due to injury, while defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is playing his first event since Barcelona in April. Djokovic had entered the fortnight with a credible path to a record 25th Grand Slam title. That opportunity has now closed, and the 24-time Grand Slam champion departs New York after just one match. Navone, meanwhile, advances into the second round as arguably the tournament's most surprising survivor.
Point of View
Or could not be heeded. What is striking is that the draw was arguably the most favourable Djokovic had seen at a Slam in years, with Sinner absent and Alcaraz ring-rusty. Opportunity and physical readiness rarely align at 39, and on Monday night they did not.
NationPress
31 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mariano Navone and why is this win significant?
Mariano Navone is an Argentine professional tennis player who entered the 2026 US Open with a tour-level hard-court record of just 12-29 and had never won a five-set match at tour level. His victory over Djokovic — a 24-time Grand Slam champion — is considered one of the biggest upsets in recent major tennis history.
When was the last time Djokovic lost in the first round of a Grand Slam?
Djokovic's last first-round Grand Slam defeat before this match was at the 2006 Australian Open — nearly two decades ago. Monday's loss at the 2026 US Open ends that extraordinary streak of always progressing past the opening round at majors.
What was the match score and how long did it last?
Navone won 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1. The match lasted 4 hours and 36 minutes, making it the longest first-round match in Grand Slam history.
Why was Djokovic considered a strong title contender at the 2026 US Open?
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner withdrew from the tournament due to injury, and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz was playing his first event since Barcelona in April, making Djokovic one of the most credible candidates for a 25th Grand Slam title. His first-round exit has ended that prospect.
What physical problems did Djokovic face during the match?
Djokovic struggled with his movement throughout the contest and was seen vomiting on multiple occasions. He had experienced similar physical difficulties during a recent defeat in Cincinnati. In the fifth set, he was visibly emotional, shedding tears at the baseline before ultimately being unable to recover.
