Daijiworld Media Network - New York
New York, Aug 31: Argentina’s Mariano Navone described his stunning five-set victory over 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic as a “dream come true” after ending the Serbian great’s quest for a record-extending 25th major title in the first round of the US Open 2026 at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday (IST).
The world No 49 defeated former world No 1 Djokovic 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a hard-fought encounter to record one of the biggest wins of his career.
Navone, 25, who considers Djokovic one of his idols, said he was overwhelmed by the opportunity to face the Serbian for the first time.
“It’s amazing. The way we played, five sets against the GOAT,” Navone said, as quoted by ATP. “I’m very happy. I don’t know, what can I say?”
“It’s unbelievable. It means a lot to me,” he added. “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.”
Djokovic’s physical condition deteriorated during the match, with the 39-year-old vomiting several times. He lost the opening set in a tie-break before fighting back to take the second and third sets, despite being sick during the third.
The Serbian subsequently appeared to struggle with cramps and physical discomfort. Navone capitalised on Djokovic’s decline to dominate the fourth set before completing the upset with a commanding fifth-set performance.
Djokovic was left in tears as his bid for a 25th Grand Slam title ended at Flushing Meadows, where he has won four US Open titles.
The defeat marked Djokovic’s first opening-round exit at a Grand Slam since 2006. It also means none of the sport’s Big Three — Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer — will feature in the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time since 2003.
“It was obvious that it was an awful feeling on the court for me. It’s something that I’ve been carrying, unfortunately, pretty much every match this year. Vomiting, throwing up, a serious issue there. Then my whole body starts to collapse, basically cramping and pain,” Djokovic said after the loss, as quoted by ATP.
“Yeah, the back just gave up in the end and shoulder, and I couldn’t close it out,” he added.
The US Open 2026 can be watched in India on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network.