Novak Djokovic US Open First-Round Loss to Mariano Navone 2026
Novak Djokovic suffered a stunning first-round defeat at the 2026 US Open, losing to Argentina’s Mariano Navone in a gruelling five-set match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Novak Djokovic US Open first-round loss to Mariano Navone in 2026 ended his latest bid for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.
Navone prevailed 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a match that lasted four hours and 36 minutes. The result marked the first time Djokovic had lost in the opening round of a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open. It also ended a remarkable 20-year record for the Serbian great.
The Novak Djokovic US Open campaign began with a difficult opening set. Navone took the first-set tie-break, but Djokovic responded strongly by winning the next two sets and moving into a 2-1 lead.
Djokovic then struggled physically as the match continued. He received treatment for back problems and dealt with cramps before Navone took control of the fourth set 6-2. The Argentine then dominated the deciding set, winning it 6-1 to complete one of the biggest victories of his career.
The Mariano Navone victory was especially significant because Djokovic had never previously lost in the first round at the US Open. Navone, ranked 49th, maintained his composure through the long contest and took advantage as Djokovic’s physical problems became more severe.
For Djokovic, the Djokovic 20-year record ended unexpectedly in New York. Djokovic’s loss was also the exit from a Grand Slam that Djokovic has had since 2006, adding another unusual chapter to Djokovic’s record at the majors.
The Novak Djokovic US Open first-round loss to Mariano Navone in 2026 lets Navone advance to the round while Djokovic’s campaign ends after just one match. The result became a major milestone in Mariano Navone’s career and one of the biggest surprises of the opening round.