Djokovic suffers first-round US Open loss to Mariano Navone

Djokovic, a four-time U.S. Open champion and the owner of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, fell to Navone 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a match that lasted 4 hours, 36 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Djokovic had never previously lost in the first round at the U.S. Open, and his last opening-round defeat at a Grand Slam came at the 2006 Australian Open. The Serbian entered the tournament as the No. 4 seed but struggled physically during the match, vomiting and showing signs of cramping while also receiving treatment for back and shoulder problems.

Navone, ranked No. 49, recovered after losing the second and third sets and took control as Djokovic's physical condition deteriorated. The 25-year-old Argentine, who won his first ATP singles title earlier this year, earned the biggest victory of his career against a player he had admired growing up. Djokovic had also suffered an early loss at the Cincinnati hard-court tournament earlier this month, and his latest defeat ends his attempt to add another U.S. Open title to championships he won in 2011, 2015, 2018 and 2023. His exit also leaves questions about his ability to continue competing at the highest level, although Djokovic has not announced plans to retire.

Sources: Associated Press, Reuters, BBC Sport, The Independent, NBC New York, Yahoo Sports and the International Olympic Committee.