Djokovic's physique leaves his opponent K.O. right from the start in New York

The physical condition of Novak Djokovic has hit a breaking point sooner than expected. The Serbian tennis player, suffering from problems since the first set, has succumbed in his debut at the US Open 2026 against Mariano Navone with a score of 7-6(5) 5-7 4-6 6-2 6-1 after 4 hours and 36 minutes of play. A historical result that worsens the situation for the Serbian player and raises alarms about his future after experiencing the unthinkable. 

Djokovic himself warned in Cincinnati that he had a physical problem he needed to learn to cope with, but until now, the Grand Slams had been that oasis in the desert where Novak resembled his old self. Arthur Ashe court, night session... What seemed like a smooth debut ended up being a masterclass from Navone, who also contributed with a memorable performance, although influenced by the condition of a Djokovic whose body failed him when he needed it most. There will be no Grand Slam number 25, and who knows what awaits Nole in the future after one of his darkest days as a tennis player given the circumstances.

Djokovic's physical condition raises alarms

The match began in the best possible way for the Serbian player, who came out very focused. It was the first three games of the match for him, where he gave Navone no options and sent a clear message about what his intentions would be for the rest of the match. However, the Argentine would quickly react, playing very deep from backhand to backhand and trying to extend the points to tire Novak, which led to a 0-40 that the Serbian miraculously saved to maintain his lead in the score.

Even so, Djokovic's body language was concerning when the point was hard-fought, putting his hands on his knees when there was still a long way to go. In the next game after Novak's serve, Navone again had a 0-40 after several errors from the Serbian, and this time he did not waste it. The organization decided to close the roof at that precise moment, but even that break did not help Nole, as he returned just as error-prone and even called for the physio at 5-4 in his favor to take some pills to alleviate the bodily discomfort he was feeling. In this dynamic, the set went to a tie-break, and as expected, it was Navone who took the win after more than an hour of set against a dejected Djokovic.

Djokovic rises from the ashes

Despite the fact that the Serbian's feelings were still not the best and he looked drained he was the first to have two break points in the second set, but he forgave Navone, who was running for every ball and was in his best moment of the match. He had smelled blood. Again, with 2-2 Novak had another break point, but Mariano did not allow him to find that breath of air that would let him rejoin the match.

Djokovic was surviving without playing at a great level, and yet with 5-5 he managed to string together several good rallies to find himself at 0-40, which could give him wings. This time, the Serbian needed just one opportunity to achieve the break, which caused the crowd to erupt in jubilation and his children to rise from their seats. That said, he remained unfazed and closed the set at 7-5 to level the match in a game that looked like it was going to be a marathon.

In the third set, a much more active and expressive Djokovic could be seen compared to the previous two hours of the match, waiting for his moment on return and constantly knocking on the door of a break against a Navone who barely made any errors but was beginning to feel overwhelmed by the push from the Serbian and the crowd at Arthur Ashe. At 4-4 was the crucial moment, where Novak showed greater solidity than ever and achieved a break that made him raise an ear to the crowd, lifting them all. The wolf had returned. He closed the set with his serve and took a two sets to one lead after three hours in a duel that had previously drawn out the worst in him. In fact, he even vomited in the middle of the third set, another indication that he was still at his physical limit.

Navone puts Djokovic on the ropes

The fourth set was more of the same. Long points, a lot of physical fatigue and a Novak who once again took his hands to his knees in the face of Navone's tenacity, who was a true rock. Nevertheless, the Serbian's hits began to be a vein, and thanks to a parallel forehand winner and another incredible backhand he managed to go up 2-1 with serve. Those who thought the Argentine would give up were naive, as his response was immediate with a counter-break sealed with a great parallel forehand. 

From there everything went downhill for Djokovic, also suffering from cramps in his left calf. Navone had a 15-40 to go up 4-2 and serve, and even though Novak saved it he ended up conceding his serve after another lengthy game that only aggravated his physical condition. Immediately after, it was the Serbian who found himself at 15-40, but Mariano would not let him breathe and saved the situation to put it at 5-2 demonstrating his backhand. To make matters worse, the Argentine got pumped up and broke again, handing Djokovic a 6-2 who could barely move.

Djokovic bids farewell to New York in tears

At that precise moment Djokovic called for a medical timeout and was treated for his back and everything else possible in a five-minute break. By this point, it was already the longest debut of Djokovic in a Grand Slam, and there was still the final set to go. In fact, that's where Djokovic's story in the US Open 2026 came to an end, as he could not move and Navone did as he pleased, ultimately winning 6-1.

His tears while the games passed and the crowd chanted his name said it all. The Serbian tennis player loses in the first round of a Grand Slam 21 years later, precisely in a tournament that counted on him for the later rounds and where some dreamed of the 25th major for his showcase. It will not be, and who knows what will happen with his future after such a blow.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El físico de Djokovic le deja K.O. a las primeras de cambio en Nueva York