Djokovic stuns New York with first-round US Open exit

Novak Djokovic’s US Open campaign ended in the first round, a result that stunned New York and raised the possibility that the 24-time Grand Slam champion has played his final match at Flushing Meadows.

Argentina’s Mariano Navone, ranked 49th in the world, defeated the 39-year-old Serbian 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 after four hours and 36 minutes. It was the biggest victory of Navone’s career and ended Djokovic’s perfect record in the opening round of the tournament.

Djokovic had won all 19 of his previous US Open first-round matches. His record stood at 37-0 when first-round matches at all four Grand Slam tournaments were counted. The four-time US Open champion tried to stay in the contest but again appeared short of energy during a difficult American summer.

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Without a doubt, it is fantastic to win on this court, because of how we played. Winning in five sets against the GOAT is not something that happens every day.

He had also gone out in the opening round of the Cincinnati Masters 1000, where Argentina’s Thiago Agustín Tirante defeated him. Rain interrupted several matches at uncovered stadiums, and Djokovic’s match finished under a closed roof.

“Without a doubt, it is fantastic to win on this court, because of how we played. Winning in five sets against the GOAT is not something that happens every day,” Navone said. “It is incredible, it means a lot to me. It was tough before the match because I was going to play against the GOAT, against this opponent, who has always been on this court. It is a dream.” Djokovic gave the New York crowd an emotional farewell and stayed behind to sign autographs before leaving the court.

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It is incredible, it means a lot to me. It was tough before the match because I was going to play against the GOAT, against this opponent, who has always been on this court. It is a dream.