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Novak Djokovic out of U.S. Open to Mariano Navone on harrowing night for all-time great
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- Novak Djokovic was defeated in the first round of the U.S. Open by Argentina’s Mariano Navone, ending his 77-match winning streak in Grand Slam first rounds, a streak dating back to 2006.
- Djokovic struggled physically throughout the match, experiencing vomiting, cramping, and pain, which he attributed to an ongoing medical issue that has affected his performance this year.
- Despite a strong start, Djokovic’s energy waned during the match, especially in long rallies, allowing Navone to capitalize and ultimately win in five sets over four hours and 36 minutes.
- Djokovic acknowledged the difficulty of competing at his age (39) and the challenges of best-of-five set matches, expressing uncertainty about resolving his physical problems but emphasizing his effort to continue.
- This loss marks a significant moment in Djokovic’s career, highlighting the physical toll of professional tennis on aging athletes and casting doubt on his future competitiveness at the highest level.
