Mariano Navone Stuns Novak Djokovic in Historic First-Round U.S. Open Upset

Navone won 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a match lasting more than four and a half hours. The victory ended Djokovic’s campaign in the first round and eliminated one of the tournament’s most accomplished contenders before the second round had even begun.

For Djokovic, the defeat brought an unexpectedly early conclusion to his latest pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam singles title. For Navone, it represented the biggest victory of his career and a breakthrough moment on one of tennis’s largest stages.

Djokovic’s Rare Early Exit

Djokovic entered the U.S. Open with one of the strongest records in Grand Slam history. The Serbian star has won 24 major singles titles and has traditionally been one of the most difficult players to eliminate at the opening stage of a Grand Slam.

His defeat to Navone was therefore particularly significant.

Djokovic had not suffered a first-round loss at the U.S. Open for many years, making the result one of the most unexpected developments of the tournament’s opening days. His experience, ranking and history in New York had made him one of the players many expected to remain in contention deep into the event.

Instead, he will leave the tournament after just one match.

The result also means Djokovic will not have the opportunity to add another U.S. Open championship to his career record this year.

Navone Refuses to Fold

Navone’s victory was built on resilience.

The Argentine won the opening set in a tiebreak, but Djokovic quickly changed the momentum by taking the second and third sets. After three sets, Djokovic held a 2-1 advantage and appeared to be in position to complete the comeback.

The match changed dramatically in the fourth set.

Navone recovered his composure and began to control more of the exchanges. He won the fourth set 6-2 before carrying that momentum into the deciding set. In the fifth, Navone established control early and closed out the match 6-1.

Coming back after losing two consecutive sets against a player with Djokovic’s experience is an achievement in itself. Doing so on Arthur Ashe Stadium, in front of one of the largest audiences in tennis, made the accomplishment even more notable.

Djokovic’s Physical Struggles

Physical problems also became an important factor as the match progressed.

Djokovic appeared to struggle increasingly with his condition during the later stages of the contest. He vomited during the match and subsequently dealt with cramping and pain involving his back and shoulder.

The physical issues made it increasingly difficult for Djokovic to maintain the movement and consistency normally associated with his game. By the fifth set, Navone was able to take advantage of the Serbian’s reduced mobility and maintain pressure until the final point.

While Djokovic’s physical problems provide important context for the result, they do not take away from Navone’s performance. The Argentine still had to remain composed through a long, demanding match and capitalize on his opportunities when they appeared.

A Major Opportunity for Navone

The victory could become a defining moment in Navone’s career.

Beating a 24-time Grand Slam champion is significant for any player, but doing it after trailing by two sets to one demonstrates the Argentine’s ability to compete under extreme pressure.

Navone now moves into the second round with considerable momentum and increased attention surrounding his run. His challenge will be to maintain the same level of concentration and physical intensity as the tournament continues.

The win also demonstrates why early rounds at Grand Slam tournaments can be unpredictable. Even highly experienced champions must navigate difficult opponents, long matches and changing physical conditions.

What Djokovic’s Defeat Means for the Tournament

Djokovic’s elimination immediately changes the complexion of the men’s singles competition.

With one of the sport’s most successful players no longer in the draw, other contenders have a significant opportunity to strengthen their position in the tournament. Players such as defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and other leading competitors now face a different competitive landscape as they attempt to advance toward the later rounds.

For fans, Djokovic’s departure also removes one of the most recognizable names from the second week of the tournament.

The U.S. Open remains one of the most demanding events on the tennis calendar, and the opening-round upset has already provided a reminder that rankings and reputations cannot guarantee progression.

The Bigger Takeaway

Navone’s victory is ultimately a story about resilience, opportunity and the unpredictability of elite sport.

Djokovic entered the match with decades of experience and an extraordinary Grand Slam résumé. Navone entered as the underdog but stayed competitive after falling behind and ultimately produced the decisive performance when the match reached its final stages.

The result gives the 2026 U.S. Open an unexpected storyline from the very beginning. Djokovic’s campaign is over, while Navone advances with one of the tournament’s most impressive victories.

For tennis fans, the lesson is straightforward: at a Grand Slam, every player must earn the next round. Experience can provide an advantage, but once the match begins, the result is determined by performance, endurance and the ability to seize critical moments.