Novak Djokovic faced physical and internal challenges, struggled with errors, and ultimately fell short against a resilient, younger opponent unphased by the pressure of playing against the legendary player.
In a dramatic five-set match lasting over four hours and 36 minutes at the U.S. Open, Djokovic was defeated by Mariano Navone on Sunday night. This loss marked Djokovic’s earliest exit from a Grand Slam tournament in two decades, ending his streak of never losing in the first round at the U.S. Open.
Throughout the match, the 39-year-old Djokovic battled physical discomfort, including vomiting, cramping, and pain, leading to a performance marred by 70 unforced errors. Djokovic struggled visibly, needing medical attention and expressing his frustration with his physical condition.
After the match, Djokovic reflected on his struggles, acknowledging the difficulties he faced on the court. Meanwhile, Navone, who idolized Djokovic, expressed his joy at defeating the tennis great on a prestigious stage like the U.S. Open.
As Djokovic contemplates his future in the sport following this unexpected defeat, Canadian players Leylah Fernandez and Denis Shapovalov had successful outings at the tournament. Fernandez advanced to the second round with a convincing victory over Shuai Zhang, while Shapovalov secured a win against Miomir Kecmanovic in a hard-fought match.
In other matches, defending champions Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz started their campaigns with wins. Sabalenka began her quest for a third consecutive U.S. Open title by defeating Camila Osorio, while Alcaraz, returning from injury, dominated his opponent Roman Safiullin in straight sets.
However, the tournament saw a disappointing early exit for Venus Williams, who was defeated by Sofia Kenin in a late-night match. Despite a valiant effort in the second set, Williams faced defeat, prompting questions about her future in professional tennis.
The U.S. Open also witnessed notable performances from Amanda Anisimova and Stefanos Tsitsipas, who both secured victories in their respective matches, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.