Novak Djokovic is the greatest tennis player of all time. However, at 39, he struggled mightily in his first round loss to Argentina’s Mariano Navone and could not complete the Herculean task of winning the match.
Navone is a ATP Top 50 player who never before played on Arthur Ashe Stadium. He is 25 years old and was able to grind through a 4 1/2 hour, five set match over Djokovic after dropping the second and third sets. He idolized Djokovic as a child, is primarily a clay court specialist, and never won a five set match.
Djokovic has not lost a Grand Slam first round match in 20 years at the 2006 Australian Open.
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Difficult momentsThere were the trainer visits for a back issue and illness.
His family, including his kids, looked on with concern.
August 30, 2026; New York, United States; Serbia’s Novak Djokovic lies on the court during his first round match against Argentina’s Mariano Navone. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
The worst part was watching him fight through tears in the middle of the fifth set.
He was clearly hampered which muted the crowd excitement and support.
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Djokovic will face questionsHe will not be in a position to answer them after this long night.
Djokovic has said he wanted to end his career at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Can he go on like this?
Will this be his final time playing at the US Open?
He exited Arthur Ashe Stadium blowing kisses to the fans, giving them the heart emoji, and signing autographs.
Navone faces the winner of the Matteo Berrettini and Stan Wawrinka first round match.
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