Novak Djokovic's earliest Grand Slam exit in

Novak Djokovic has suffered his earliest Grand Slam tournament exit in 20 years. The 24-time major champion, aged 39, was defeated 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 by Argentina's Mariano Navone in a brutal first-round match at the US Open that lasted four hours and 36 minutes.

Djokovic's physical struggles were evident and distressing. He vomited multiple times during the match, including into a towel bin early in the night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Serb fought cramps and a collapsing body, his back and shoulder giving way by the end. He was in tears as he left the court around midnight.

A Recurring Physical Issue

Afterward, Djokovic attributed the performance to a persistent health condition. "It is something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year," Djokovic said, according to The Guardian. "You know, vomiting, throwing up, serious issue there, and then my whole body starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain." He noted the issue was accentuated by heat and humidity, similar to problems he faced in a loss to another Argentine, Thiago Agustín Tirante, in Cincinnati just weeks prior.

Despite the agony, Djokovic's serving kept him competitive. He established a two-sets-to-one lead and even held a break in the fourth set. But his legs grew heavy. His first serve deteriorated. Navone, unaffected by the conditions, chased every ball and maintained immaculate length to force exhausting rallies Djokovic could not sustain.

Historical Context of the Loss

This loss carries significant historical weight for Djokovic's career. It was his record-extending 84th Grand Slam main draw appearance. Yet it resulted in only his third-ever first-round defeat at a major. The last time he fell at this stage was at the 2006 Australian Open, when he was 18 years old.

The match turned into an uncomfortable spectacle. Rain forced the roof closed at 4-3 in the first set. Djokovic lathered himself with ice cloths and received pills from the doctor at 5-4. Navone, meanwhile, played the match of his life against his idol.

Navone's Dream Victory

Mariano Navone, 25, has long been a public fan of Djokovic. After the draw was revealed, fans found old tweets from a 13-year-old Navone in 2014 devoted to supporting the Serb. His parents canceled a Caribbean holiday to fly to New York for the match.

Ranked inside the top 50, Navone's best results have come on clay. On paper, he presented a kind first-round draw for Djokovic. Instead, he delivered a relentless performance. He absorbed Djokovic's best serves and extended points until the champion's body broke down.

Djokovic's suffering began shockingly early. He appeared to struggle with the humidity barely 15 minutes into the match, even in the less extreme night conditions. For the remaining hours, he alternated between panting desperately, vomiting, and fighting for balance. By the end, he had nothing left to give.