Novak Djokovic grinded through physical and internal ailments, made one mistake after another and could not find what it took to beat a feisty, younger opponent who was not intimidated under the lights against tennis’ most decorated player.
He had never lost in the first round at the U.S. It extended a nightmare stretch for Djokovic, who also lost in the first round at the hardcourt tuneup in Cincinnati earlier this month. Open. Open debut, the question now lingers as to whether this was Djokovic’s final match at this or any Grand Slam. “For sure it’s the best thing I’ve had on court. This is an amazing court and the biggest stage. It’s amazing, the way we play. I mean, five sets. … I’m very happy. I don’t know. What can I say? “This means a lot. It’s a dream come true. That was his first action since losing to top-ranked Jannik Sinner in the semifinals at Wimbledon. Djokovic expressed hope Saturday that his early exit at Cincinnati gave him more time to prepare for the U.S. Open but acknowledged concern that the first match at any tournament has become challenging for him in recent years. Instead of overcoming the hurdle and building from there, he is left to contemplate an uncertain future
The 39-year-old is out of the U.S. Open after a first-round defeat to Mariano Navone on Sunday night (August 30, 2026), losing 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a five-set marathon that lasted four hours and 36 minutes. It was the longest opening match of a Grand Slam in Djokovic’s career and became his earliest exit in one in two decades, dating to the 2006 Australian Open. With this defeat, 21 years to the day of his U.S.
“(It) was very tough for me because you are playing with the GOAT’ on this court,” said Navone, who idolised Djokovic growing up. “It’s unbelievable,” Navone said.