World #49 Mariano Navone entered his match against Novak Djokovic on Arthur Ashe stadium in the first round of the 2026 US Open as a relative unknown for casual tennis fans. The 25-year-old had only claimed one ATP title in his career, and had never advanced beyond the third round of a Grand Slam, but when he had the opportunity to upset an ailing Novak Djokovic, he took it, prevailing 7-6 5-7 4-6 6-2 6-1 in a match that finished just before midnight local time in New York City.
Despite a Brave Effort, Novak Djokovic Exits the US Open in Round 1The circumstances of the match make it complicated to analyze. Djokovic clearly began the contest in ailing health, as he complained of a headache and was rather lethargic in the opening games. Despite coming out to a 3-0 lead, Djokovic never looked near his late career best, and eventually he lost a first set tie break.
In the second set, the match remained close, but there was positive signs for Djokovic as he took it 7-5 with a late break, Navone feeling the pressure and tightening up a bit. For a brief moment after taking the set, it looked like Djokovic could pull ahead, that he could survive. Navone kept his head in the match however, and Djokovic’s physical limitations became more of a factor in the contest. In the third set, Djokovic vomited violently at the back of the court, in addition to visits from a doctor, and the trainer, he used an inhaler and took tablets for his stomach, and for pain, but the upset stomach and clamminess impacting his body eventually gave way to cramping due to fluid loss. This was effectively Djokovic’s “flu game”. Only Michael Jordan was 34 during that NBA Finals, and Djokovic is 39 today.
Despite taking the third set, Novak Djokovic was physically spent and cramping in the 4th, by the end of the 4th, Djokovic was rolling in serves flat footed, the four time US Open Champion, at 39, looking like he was physically battered as Navone took it 6-2.
Navone, who prefers clay, showed tremendous stamina and foot speed in the match, while Djokovic could still manage elite returns and ball striking at times from the baseline, Navone could move, defend, and play dropshots and other finesse techniques to win points against Djokovic.
Navone kept his head, quiet, composed in a loud, late night New York crowd, Djokovic was simply too ill to provide further resistance, he was woozy on his feet, beyond uncomfortable in the 5th set, and in visible pain. Navone served with confidence and struck the ball cleanly in the 5th set, his mind focused on the task at hand.
Mariano Navone’s MomentBeating an injured (or sick) opponent is never an easy thing, especially in best of 5 matches. Novak Djokovic is a warrior, perhaps without equal on the current ATP Tour, Mariano Navone’s performance, and the recognition of his achievement is something that has to be highlighted. Navone told Clay Tenis earlier this year “We learned to play on hard courts later in life. Argentines are raised on clay” Navone didn’t even play matches on hard courts as of two years ago.
During that interview with Clay Tenis, Navone spoke about his work with coach Alberto Mancini to improve his game. Previously, Navone was a finalist at the ATP 500 in Rio, South America’s biggest event, and his rise on the ATP Tour has been subtle, but focused. As of two years ago, on hard courts, now he has a win over the Grand Slam leader on the surface. He was a player fit enough, and versatile enough to take advantage of Djokovic’s reduced level. The win was also Navone’s first in five sets. He kept the ball in play and didn’t lose his head, once Djokovic was unable to physically recover. The longer the rally, the better it was for Navone.
Speaking post-match on court, Navone called the US Open “the biggest stage”, telling James Blake the interviewer that it was “amazing” to play the match he did, and that this win was “dream come true” as the clock struck midnight.
The Last WordJan 13, 2025; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mariano Navone of Argentina hits a forehand during his match against Jack Draper of United Kingdom in the first round of the men’s singles at the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn ImagesFor the Argentine Mariano Navone, it’s the biggest win of his career and opens up a section of the draw with Brandon Nakashima, Andrey Rublev, and Frances Tiafoe as the favorites. Navone will play the winner of Stan Wawrinka vs Matteo Berrettini in the US Open second round.
For Novak Djokovic, it might be the last time we see him on the US Open stage after we saw him suffer a routine three set defeat at ATP Cincinnati this summer to Thiago Agustin Tirante. Djokovic had previously won 78 consecutive round 1 matches in Grand Slams, but his body wouldn’t allow him to win on Sunday night.
Djokovic, who still signed autographs as he left the court at Arthur Ashe, finishes 2026 with a semifinal at Wimbledon, a round of 32 at Roland Garros, and a final at the Australian Open, in addition to the round 1 exit at the US Open in New York. Due to physical limitations, a focus on preserving his body, and a chance to win a 25th Grand Slam, he’s limited himself to just seven tournaments this season. Father time is undefeated, and perhaps the bell has tolled for Djokovic. As Andre Agassi said during the “Wolf in Winter” documentary about Djokovic “The end always comes fast.”
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
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