Novak Djokovic exited the US Open in the first round after a five-set defeat against Argentina’s Mariano Navone. The loss snapped a 78-match winning streak in major tournament openers that dated back to 2006, halting his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Match Details and the End of a Historic Streak
World number 48 Mariano Navone secured the victory over Djokovic with a score of 7-6(7/5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1. According to tournament statistics, this result ended Djokovic’s remarkable streak of 78 consecutive victories in the opening rounds of Grand Slam events. The run had remained unbroken since his defeat against Paul Goldstein at the 2006 Australian Open.
Physical Toll and Post-Match Comments
Addressing reporters in his post-match press conference, Djokovic detailed the physical breakdown that hampered his performance throughout the contest. “I think it was evident that I was feeling very poorly on the court,” Djokovic stated, adding that vomiting has been an ongoing issue in his matches this season. “My body starts to give up with cramps and pain. At the end of the match, my back and shoulder gave up and I couldn’t finish.”
Did You Know?
Prior to this upset in New York, Djokovic had not lost an opening-match fixture at a major tournament in nearly two decades, with his previous first-round Grand Slam defeat occurring at Melbourne Park in 2006 against Paul Goldstein.
Battling Through Pain and Future Uncertainty
Despite dropping the opening set and facing severe physical distress, Djokovic rallied to claim the second and third sets. He admitted considering an early withdrawal before deciding to push forward. “I thought about retiring, but then I won a set and then the third one too, so I told myself maybe I still had a chance,” Djokovic explained. He noted that despite the crowd’s support—which he said “truly touched my heart”—he “hated every moment spent on the courts” during the latter stages of the match.
When questioned about what lessons he has drawn from recent months, the Serbian player acknowledged he is “not at that point yet,” while confirming he is actively “trying to deal with the problem and figure out how far I can go in these conditions.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who defeated Novak Djokovic in the first round of the US Open?
According to tournament results, Argentine player Mariano Navone defeated Novak Djokovic in five sets.
What was the final score of the match?
Mariano Navone won the first-round encounter with a scoreline of 7-6(7/5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
When was Djokovic’s last first-round loss at a Grand Slam prior to this match?
Match records show that Djokovic’s previous opening-round defeat at a major occurred at the 2006 Australian Open against Paul Goldstein.
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