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US Open: Novak Djokovic eliminated in the first round, a first in Grand Slam in twenty years

Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the first round of the US Open by Mariano Navone, marking a first in his career in two decades.

31 August 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: US Open: Novak Djokovic eliminated in the first round, a first in Grand Slam in twenty years — Archive photoPhoto: Kuberzog · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0

On Sunday evening, Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the first round of the US Open by Argentine Mariano Navone, an unexpected result that had not occurred for the Serbian at a Grand Slam tournament in over twenty years. The match, played on Arthur Ashe Court, highlighted the physical difficulties faced by Djokovic, who reportedly suffered from vomiting during the match.

The final score of the match was 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in favor of Navone. The former world number one showed signs of struggle throughout the match, creating a concerning situation for his fans and tennis observers.

At nearly 39 years old, Djokovic faces an increasing challenge in his quest to add a 25th Grand Slam title to his record. This early exit from the tournament could have repercussions on his future ambitions, but it remains to be seen how he will recover from this defeat.

This surprising result has sent shockwaves through the sports community, where Djokovic's performance will be closely scrutinized in the coming weeks. As an iconic player, his sudden elimination has sparked various reactions among commentators and fans.

Statistics indicate that this elimination marks a significant turning point in Djokovic's career, who had established a reputation for resilience. This performance sharply contrasts with his previous outings in Grand Slam tournaments, where he was often a key factor in each edition.

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