ATP Tour

Navone stuns physically ailing Djokovic at US Open

Mariano Navone sent a seismic shock through the tennis world on Sunday evening when he stunned 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic, who was physically struggling throughout the match, 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.

"It's amazing. The way we played, five sets against the GOAT," Navone said. "I'm very happy. I don't know, what can I say?"

There were many signs pointing towards Djokovic finding a way past the Argentine inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, including the fact that the fourth seed had not lost in the first round of a major since the 2006 Australian Open.

Even when Djokovic let slip a break advantage at 2-1 in the fourth set and needed a decider, history was still on his side. The Serbian was 42-12 in five-set matches, while Navone was 0-4. The Argentine was just 12-29 in tour-level matches on hard courts.

But aged 39, Djokovic was unable to battle through. During the four hours and 36 minutes of play, the 101-time tour-level titlist struggled to move at times and vomited on multiple occasions. After winning his first game of the fifth set to trail 1-3, Djokovic teared up while standing behind the baseline as the fans roared to try to urge him back into the clash.

On match point, Navone scrambled to retrieve a drop volley and shoveled the ball into the open court before embracing a gracious Djokovic at the net just before midnight. The ATP No. 1 Club member stopped to sign several autographs on his way off the court.

"It's unbelievable. It means a lot for me," Navone said of facing Djokovic, one of his idols, for the first time. "It's a dream come true, I mean seriously, 100 per cent. Now I have to recover. I think it's almost 12 o'clock, so we have to go to sleep."

With World No. 1 Jannik Sinner not competing in the US Open due to injury and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz playing his first tournament since Barcelona in April, Djokovic had a big opportunity to pursue his 25th major trophy. Instead, he departs New York after the first round.

Djokovic has shown great consistency at the major events late in his career. In the past two Grand Slam seasons, he had only lost to Sinner (three times), Alcaraz (twice), Alexander Zverev (once) and Joao Fonseca (once). This year, he made the Australian Open final and the Wimbledon semi-finals.

In his first 19 main draw appearances at the US Open, Djokovic had never failed to advance. On two occasions, he needed five sets, against Gael Monfils on his debut in 2005 and against his current coach, Viktor Troicki, in 2010.

But after falling to Thiago Agustin Tirante in his opening match at the Cincinnati Open, Djokovic lost to another Argentine Sunday night at Flushing Meadows. Navone will next take on Matteo Berrettini or Stan Wawrinka.

Did You Know?
Navone earned 17 break points in the match, converting six of them. The Argentine also made just 34 unforced errors compared to 70 for Djokovic.