{"id":112812,"date":"2026-08-31T10:32:31","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T10:32:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/djokovics-us-open-exit-leaves-fans-heartbroken\/"},"modified":"2026-08-31T10:32:31","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T10:32:31","slug":"djokovics-us-open-exit-leaves-fans-heartbroken","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/djokovics-us-open-exit-leaves-fans-heartbroken\/","title":{"rendered":"Djokovic\u2019s US Open exit leaves fans heartbroken"},"content":{"rendered":"
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NEW YORK:\u00a0Novak Djokovic\u2019s US Open campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion Monday as the 39-year-old Serbian broke down in tears after a four-hour first-round battle with Mariano Navone.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Navone defeated Djokovic 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, handing the 24-time Grand Slam champion his first opening-round loss at the US Open since 2006.<\/p>\n

Djokovic appeared to be struggling physically throughout the match. He vomited on court and dealt with leg cramps, pain and other physical problems as the contest stretched beyond four hours.<\/p>\n

The loss came as Djokovic was seeking a record 25th Grand Slam title and marked only the third time in his career that he has been eliminated in the first round of a major tournament.<\/p>\n

Djokovic took the opening set in a tiebreaker, but Navone responded by winning the second. The Serbian regained the lead in the third set before his physical condition deteriorated.<\/p>\n

Navone then took control, winning the fourth set 6-2 and the deciding set 6-1 to complete a major comeback.<\/p>\n

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Djokovic reveals serious health concerns<\/strong><\/h6>\n

Speaking after the match, Djokovic said his physical problems have been affecting him throughout the season.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it was evident that it was a horrible feeling for me on the court,\u201d Djokovic said. \u201cIt\u2019s something that, unfortunately, I have been dragging through practically every match this year.\u201d<\/p>\n

He said vomiting and feeling sick had become a serious concern before his body began to break down.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen my whole body basically starts to collapse, with cramps and pain,\u201d Djokovic said.<\/p>\n

Read More: Djokovic begins French open campaign with strong win at Roland Garros<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Djokovic also said his back and shoulder problems prevented him from finishing strongly.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy back finally said enough, and so did my shoulder, and I couldn\u2019t close out the match,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Navone completes four-set comeback<\/strong><\/h6>\n

Navone, a 24-year-old Argentine, stayed composed as Djokovic struggled and took advantage of the Serbian\u2019s declining physical condition.<\/p>\n

Despite the painful defeat, Djokovic acknowledged Navone\u2019s performance and congratulated him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to take too much credit away from his victory,\u201d Djokovic said. \u201cI congratulate him. He\u2019s a good guy, a fighter, but I didn\u2019t enjoy it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Rare early exit for Djokovic<\/strong><\/h6>\n

The defeat marked Djokovic\u2019s first first-round loss at the US Open since 2006, when he was 18. It was only his third opening-round defeat at a Grand Slam.<\/p>\n

The loss also ended Djokovic\u2019s 84th Grand Slam tournament appearance without adding to his record 24 major titles.<\/p>\n

Djokovic won Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Games and captured his 101st ATP title in Athens in late 2025.<\/p>\n

His latest exit leaves his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title on hold while raising fresh questions about how his physical struggles could affect the remainder of his career.<\/p>\n

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