Novak Djokovic suffered a stunning first-round defeat at the US Open after Mariano Navone fought back from two sets to one down to beat the four-time champion 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-4, 2-6, 1-6.
The defeat marked only the third time Djokovic had exited a Grand Slam in the opening round and his earliest-ever elimination at Flushing Meadows.
Djokovic appeared on course to avoid the upset after recovering from losing the opening-set tie-break to take the next two sets. The 39-year-old then moved a break ahead in the fourth set, but his physical condition deteriorated badly as the match progressed.
Djokovic vomited during the contest and was also troubled by back and shoulder problems that affected his serve. Navone capitalised on his opponent’s struggles, winning 11 of the final 12 service games to complete the biggest victory of his career.
“It was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me,” Djokovic said after the match.
“Something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year. Vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there. Then my whole body starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain.”
Djokovic also admitted that his back and shoulder eventually prevented him from closing out the match, but he refused to take anything away from Navone’s achievement.
“Congratulations to him. He’s a nice guy, a fighter. But I didn’t enjoy myself,” he added.
Navone, ranked 49th in the world, held his nerve in the deciding set after Djokovic struggled to maintain his level. The Argentine won the opening three games before Djokovic managed to get on the scoreboard, but Navone immediately regained control to complete the upset.
“Five sets, against the GOAT, it’s not something you do every day. I’m very happy,” Navone said.
The Argentine will now face the winner of Matteo Berrettini and Stan Wawrinka in the second round.
For Djokovic, the defeat continued a difficult season. He had already suffered an early exit in Cincinnati and will now finish another year without winning a Grand Slam title.
The Serbian, who had never previously gone more than two consecutive years without a major title since winning his first in 2008, also finished the match with 70 unforced errors.
Despite his physical struggles, Djokovic insisted he never considered quitting.
“I didn’t want to give up in fourth or fifth. I wanted to finish the match,” he said.