Novak Djokovic loses in opening round of US Open for first time, falling in 5 sets to Mariano Navone
Tennis legend Novak Djokovic suffered a rare first-round exit at the U.S. Open after a grueling five-set match against Mariano Navone. Djokovic cited physical illness and exhaustion as major factors in his performance and early tournament departure.
Why it matters
This marks a significant milestone in the career of one of tennis's most decorated athletes, raising questions about his future in professional sports.
NEW YORK (AP) — 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 U.S. 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 one in two decades, dating to the 2006 Australian Open. He had never lost in the first round at the U.S. Open.
"I didn't enjoy myself," Djokovic said. "I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me."
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in