Djokovic In Tears After US Open First-Round Defeat

Novak Djokovic was reduced to tears following a shocking first-round exit at the US Open on Monday, falling to Argentina’s Mariano Navone in a five-set battle that underscored the physical struggles of the 39-year-old tennis legend.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion, seeded fourth in the tournament, lost 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 to the world number 49. Djokovic showed visible signs of physical distress throughout the humid New York evening, including an incident where he vomited into a towel bin during the decisive set.

The defeat marks Djokovic’s first-ever opening-round loss at Flushing Meadows and his first first-round exit at a major since the 2006 Australian Open.

“I think it was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me,” Djokovic said in his post-match press conference. “I don’t want to take too much away from Mariano’s win. Congrats to him, he’s a nice guy and a fighter—but I didn’t enjoy myself.”

Despite offering a smile and gracious congratulations to the 25-year-old Navone, a distraught Djokovic appeared close to tears again as he left the court.

The loss ends Djokovic’s latest bid for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, which would have moved him past Australian great Margaret Court. The opportunity was widely seen as favorable, with world number one Jannik Sinner absent due to injury and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz returning from a long-term wrist issue.