Novak Djokovic was ousted by Mariano Navone at the U.S. Open, marking the tennis great's earliest Grand Slam exit in two decades, since the Australian Open shock in 2006. Argentine star Navone beat struggling Djokovic in a four-hour, five-set battle on Saturday night by 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-1. This also marks the longest opening match of a Grand Slam in Djokovic's career. Djokovic made 70 unforced errors in a disappointing performance that concluded just minutes before midnight ET.
Navone, buzzing with the big win, said, "It was very tough for me because you are playing with the greatest of all time on this court." "For sure it's the best thing I've had on court. This is an amazing court and the biggest stage. It's amazing, the way we play. I mean, five sets... I'm very happy. What can I say?" Navone added. The 24-major-titles holder Djokovic vomited at least once and later showed signs of cramping when he stretched for his left foot.
During a medical timeout, Djokovic was given pills brought by a doctor and got his lower back massaged between the fourth and fifth sets. Djokovic struggled with his illness throughout the game, which took a heavy toll. The Serbian fourth seed raced to 3-0 and 4-1 early leads only to blow both and lose the first set, marking the first time he has lost a first-round opening set at the US Open since 2006.
With this shocking defeat, exactly 21 years down memory lane from his US Open debut, he will drop out of the ATP's Top 10 for the first time since July 2018. The tennis world remains in absolute disbelief as one of the most decorated players in the history of the sport exits the tournament in the very opening stage.