Argentina’s 25-year-old tennis star Mariano Navone scripted history at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday night by defeating 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the first round of the 2026 US Open. Navone outlasted the 39-year-old Serbian legend 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a 4-hour, 36-minute marathon, marking Djokovic’s first opening-round exit at a Grand Slam in 20 years. At a GlanceKey Development: World No. 49 Mariano Navone defeated 4th-seed Novak Djokovic in the 2026 US Open first round. Match Score: 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 (Duration: 4 hours, 36 minutes). Historic Milestone: First time Djokovic lost in Round 1 of a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, ending a 20-year streak. Player Profile: 25-year-old clay-court specialist from Argentina who earned his first ATP singles title earlier in 2026. What Happened?Mariano Navone delivered one of the biggest upsets in modern tennis history by eliminating 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic in the opening round of the US Open. Despite Djokovic fighting back after losing a tight opening tiebreak to lead two sets to one, severe physical distress and heat-related illness plagued the Serbian in the humid New York conditions. Navone capitalized on Djokovic’s physical decline, sweeping the fourth and fifth sets 6-2, 6-1 to seal his milestone victory. Match ParameterMariano NavoneNovak DjokovicATP Ranking / SeedWorld No. 49World No. 4 / 4th SeedAces910Double Faults810Break Points Converted6 / 17 (35%)4 / 12 (33%)Total Points Won165146Unforced Errors4270Who Is Mariano Navone?Born on February 27, 2001, in 9 de Julio, Argentina, Mariano Navone is a rising professional tennis player who primarily made his name on the ATP Challenger Tour before breaking through on the ATP main tour in 2024.Clay-Court Roots: Like many South American professionals, Navone developed his game on red clay courts, capturing five ATP Challenger titles in 2023 alone.ATP Tour Breakthrough: Navone reached his first ATP 500 final at the 2024 Rio Open as a qualifier, followed by another ATP final appearance at the Bucharest Open in April 2024.First Title: Navone claimed his maiden ATP tour-level singles title earlier in 2026, elevating his career-high ATP ranking inside the top 40. Hard-Court Struggle Turned History: Prior to this historic match, Navone held a modest 12-29 record on hard courts at the tour level. His victory over Djokovic marks his first win over a Top 5 player. Why It Matters: End of a 20-Year Grand Slam StreakNovak Djokovic’s loss to Navone shatters one of the most dominant operational records in tennis history:First Opening-Round Loss Since 2006: The last time Djokovic lost in the first round of any Grand Slam was the 2006 Australian Open against Paul Goldstein. Never Before at the US Open: Across 19 previous appearances at Flushing Meadows, Djokovic had never failed to survive the first round. Chasing the 25th Title: The defeat halts Djokovic’s pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, leaving him tied with Margaret Court at 24 major trophies. What Happens Next?Following his career-defining victory, Mariano Navone advances to the second round of the 2026 US Open, where he will face his next opponent in the bottom half of the draw.For Novak Djokovic, the defeat extends a challenging hard-court swing following early exits in Cincinnati. The 39-year-old indicated post-match that he plans to take time to address recurring health issues before evaluating his schedule for the remainder of the season. Key TakeawaysHistoric Upset: Mariano Navone defeated Novak Djokovic 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in the US Open 1st Round. 20-Year Streak Ended: Novak Djokovic suffered his first Grand Slam Round 1 exit since 2006. Physical Toll: Djokovic struggled with heat-related illness, vomiting during the match and committing 70 unforced errors. Navone’s Career Win: The 25-year-old Argentine recorded his biggest career win on hard courts against the 24-time Grand Slam champion.Also Read :- Djokovic In Tears After Shocking US Open First-Round Exit Against Navone
