Novak Djokovic broke down in tears as his US Open campaign ended with a painful first-round defeat to Mariano Navone, the Serbian’s latest push for a record 25th Grand Slam title hitting a roadblock in New York. The fourth seed fought back from a set down but, after battling severe physical issues throughout the night, eventually fell 6-7, 7-5, 6-4, 2-6, 1-6.
Djokovic’s physical struggles were evident from the early stages on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Before the roof was closed because of inclement weather, the 39-year-old repeatedly used an ice bag on his head, appeared uncomfortable in the humid New York conditions and even asked the supervisor whether the air conditioning could be switched on once the roof was shut.
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His problems intensified in the third set when Djokovic vomited multiple times during the sixth game. He bent over at the back of the court before continuing, while a tournament physio provided him with tablets and his team supplied fluids from courtside as the contest stretched towards its fourth hour.
Yet Djokovic somehow managed to turn the match around. After losing the opening set in an error-strewn tiebreak, he fought back to take the second 7-5 and then the third 6-4, moving within one set of victory despite the physical toll.
Navone, however, refused to let the comeback happen. The Argentine regained control in the fourth set, winning it 6-2 before taking charge of the decider and leaving Djokovic facing a desperate fight to stay alive.
DJOKOVIC’S TEARS DEFINE DECIDER
The fifth set quickly became increasingly difficult for Djokovic. As Navone moved further ahead and established a 4-1 lead, the Serbian appeared completely drained, struggling to match the Argentine’s intensity and unable to find the energy that had powered his comeback.
Then came the most striking moment of the night. Djokovic began crying on court during the deciding set, visibly anguished as he watched the match slip further away from him.
The tears came after hours of battling the heat, dehydration, illness and a relentless opponent. His wife Jelena was also visibly distressed in the stands as Djokovic attempted to summon another response.
Navone remained composed through the closing stages, eventually closing out the fifth set 6-1 to complete one of the biggest victories of his career. Djokovic’s extraordinary fightback had ultimately fallen short.
25TH TITLE PUSH HITS A ROADBLOCK
Djokovic had arrived in Flushing Meadows chasing his 25th Grand Slam singles title, which would have given him the outright record for major men’s singles titles. He was also four victories away from surpassing Jimmy Connors’ record of 98 US Open match wins.
Instead, his latest push has hit a roadblock after one of the most physically demanding opening-round matches of his career.
The defeat also brought an extraordinary Grand Slam streak to an end. Djokovic had won 78 consecutive opening-round matches at the majors before Navone stopped him, with his previous first-round defeat coming against Paul Goldstein at the 2006 Australian Open.
Djokovic entered the tournament with limited preparation, having played just one match during the North American hard-court swing. His Cincinnati campaign ended with a defeat to fellow Argentine Thiago Agustin Tirante, where he had also struggled with the heat and humidity.
Even his preparation on match day was unusual. After Daniil Medvedev defeated Hugo Gaston, Djokovic took advantage of a gap on Arthur Ashe Stadium to have a late hit shortly before facing Navone.
The defeat brings his US Open campaign to an early end, while his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title will have to continue beyond Flushing Meadows.
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