US Open Heartbreak: Vomiting Novak Djokovic Knocked Out in Historic 1st Round Exit
Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title came to a stunning end on the opening day of the 2026 US Open, where he was defeated in the first round by Argentina’s Mariano Navone.
The 39-year-old Serbian legend, seeded fourth in the tournament, collapsed physically under the closed roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium, losing a grueling five-set marathon 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 that lasted 4 hours and 36 minutes.
The Match Breakdown
Navone took a tightly contested opening set by edging Djokovic out in a tiebreak. But Djokovic showed his trademark resilience, fighting through apparent discomfort to claim the second and third sets.
As the humidity and intensity escalated, Djokovic’s body gave out. He repeatedly vomited on the court, used an inhaler, took medication, and received medical treatment for his lower back.
During the final set, Djokovic, visibly in tears, cut an exhausted figure and could not stop the world No. 49 from dominating the final two sets to close out the biggest win of his life.
The upset shattered several long-standing streaks and highlights the historic nature of Navone’s victory. Before now Djokovic held a 20-year streak without an opening-round loss at a Slam, with 78 consecutive opening-round victories at Grand Slams. His earliest Grand Slam exit was 20 years ago at the 2006 Australian Open.
