Djokovic Suffers Earliest Slam Exit in 20 Years

Novak Djokovic has suffered his earliest Grand Slam exit in 20 years after Argentina’s Mariano Navone defeated him in a five-set battle on Sunday, ending the Serbian’s latest attempt to secure a record 25th major title.

Navone, ranked 48th in the world, prevailed 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 after four hours and 36 minutes. The defeat ended Djokovic’s remarkable streak of 78 consecutive first-round victories at Grand Slam tournaments, dating back to his loss to Paul Goldstein at the 2006 Australian Open.

Djokovic’s physical condition became a major factor as the match progressed. The former world number one vomited on court and struggled with cramps and back pain, problems he said have followed him throughout much of the season.

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“It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year,” Djokovic said. “Vomiting, throwing up, then my whole body starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain.”

Despite reaching the Australian Open final and Wimbledon semi-finals this year, Djokovic admitted he doesn’t currently feel physically equipped to sustain deep tournament runs.

“I’m just trying to address really what’s going on and how far I can go this way,” he said.

Us Open — Serbia’s Novak Djokovic receives treatment during his match against Argentina’s Mariano Navone during the men’s singles first round tennis match on day one of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre in New York City on August 30, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)

Djokovic appeared to have seized control after recovering from losing the opening-set tiebreak. He claimed the next two sets and then broke Navone for a 2-1 advantage in the fourth with a trademark backhand winner down the line.

The momentum quickly shifted. Navone reeled off five consecutive games to take the fourth set before Djokovic received treatment on his back ahead of the decider. The Argentine then raced to a 3-0 lead in the fifth and dominated his service games as Djokovic’s physical condition deteriorated.

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Navone described the victory over his longtime idol as “unbelievable”, particularly given Djokovic’s two-decade run without a first-round Grand Slam defeat.

“It was a tough match, a battle,” Navone said. “Playing against Novak the first time on the biggest stage we have in the world of tennis right now, it’s crazy.”

For Djokovic, the defeat leaves further questions over his physical condition and his pursuit of an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam crown.

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Tope Oke

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