Sports Desk: Argentina’s Mariano Navone pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 US Open, defeating fourth-seeded Novak Djokovic in a gruelling five-set battle at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Navone prevailed 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 after four hours and 36 minutes, ending Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title. It was Djokovic’s first-ever first-round defeat at the US Open and his earliest exit from a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open. The 25-year-old Argentine recovered after Djokovic moved ahead by taking the second and third sets. Navone maintained his intensity as Djokovic began struggling physically, eventually taking control of the fourth set and forcing a decider.
Also Read: MS Dhoni’s IPL 2027 future remains uncertain, says CSK CEO
Djokovic, 39, required medical attention and battled vomiting, cramping and back and shoulder problems during the contest. Despite briefly leading in the fourth set, he was unable to maintain his level as the physical issues worsened. Navone dominated the deciding set, breaking Djokovic repeatedly before closing out the biggest victory of his career. The defeat also ended Djokovic’s latest attempt to surpass Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles. The Serbian entered the tournament as a four-time US Open champion but leaves Flushing Meadows after just one match.
For Navone, the victory was particularly significant as Djokovic was a childhood idol. The Argentine described the result as a “dream come true” after completing the remarkable comeback. Navone advances to the second round, while Djokovic’s future at the US Open remains uncertain following one of the most unexpected defeats of his illustrious career.
