Novak Djokovic struggled through physical and internal issues, committing numerous errors against a resilient, younger opponent who displayed no fear against the legendary tennis player. The 39-year-old was eliminated from the U.S. Open in the first round by Mariano Navone on Sunday night, after a grueling five-set battle lasting four hours and 36 minutes in New York.
This match marked Djokovic’s longest opener at a Grand Slam and his earliest exit in two decades since the 2006 Australian Open. Expressing his discomfort, Djokovic admitted to a challenging and unpleasant experience on the court, suffering from vomiting, cramps, and pain throughout the game. Despite receiving medical attention and assistance, Djokovic made 70 unforced errors, leading to his defeat just minutes before midnight.
Reflecting on the loss, Djokovic hinted at uncertainties about his future in Grand Slam tournaments. In contrast, Navone, who admired Djokovic, described the match as a significant achievement on a prestigious stage. Meanwhile, in other U.S. Open matches, Leylah Fernandez from Canada advanced to the second round after defeating Shuai Zhang, while Denis Shapovalov secured a victory against Miomir Kecmanovic in men’s singles play.
Aryna Sabalenka initiated her U.S. Open title defense with a win over Camila Osorio, while Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion, triumphed against Roman Safiullin in his first singles match since April. Venus Williams faced a disappointing early exit from the tournament, losing to Sofia Kenin in straight sets, potentially marking the end of her remarkable Grand Slam career.
Additional notable results include Amanda Anisimova’s strong start with a victory over Ashlyn Krueger and Stefanos Tsitsipas’s success over Arthur Fils after making changes to his coaching team. The U.S. Open continues to showcase thrilling matches and surprising outcomes as players strive for victory on the grand stage of tennis.
