Novak Djokovic loses in opening round of US Open for first time, falling in 5 sets to Mariano Navone

Novak Djokovic grinded through physical and internal ailments, made one mistake after another and could not find what it took to beat a feisty, younger opponent who was not intimidated under the lights against tennis’ most decorated player. The 39-year-old is out of the US Open after a first-round defeat to Mariano Navone on Sunday night, losing 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a five-set marathon that lasted four hours and 36 minutes. It was the longest opening match of a Grand Slam in Djokovic’s career and became his earliest exit in two decades, dating to the 2006 Australian Open. He had never lost in the first round at the US Open. “I didn’t enjoy myself,” Djokovic said.