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Novak Djokovic surprised by early exit from US Open due to physical issues

Novak Djokovic has lost in the first round of the US Open to Mariano Navone, leading to his early exit.

31 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Novak Djokovic surprised by early exit from US Open due to physical issues — Photo: Edwin Martinez1 · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the first round of the US Open on Monday, a surprising outcome for the 39-year-old Serbian. He lost to 25-year-old Argentine Mariano Navone in a thrilling match that lasted five sets.

The match took place on hard court in New York and finished with set scores of 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-4, 2-6, and 1-6, according to various sources. This marks a notable defeat for Djokovic, who is known as one of the best tennis players.

Djokovic, who was ranked number 5 on the ATP chart at the time, faced physical issues during the match. The last time he lost in the first round of a Grand Slam tournament was in 2006, more than 20 years ago.

His exit from the tournament raises questions about his current form and health, especially as instances of physical discomfort during matches are not uncommon for athletes of his level. Many fans and analysts are surprised by this outcome, given Djokovic's status in the tennis world.

In the aftermath of the match, images of Djokovic, visibly distressed, were shared on social media, showing him unable to hide his emotions. This has led to speculation about his future in the sport, particularly concerning his ongoing injuries.

The defeat means Djokovic can no longer compete for the title at the US Open, and his early exit has implications for his preparation for upcoming tournaments.

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