US Open: Novak Djokovic loses to Mariano Navone in longest first round match of his career in Grand Slams | Tennis News
Novak Djokovic fell at the first hurdle as his tilt at a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam came to a shock end to Argentine Mariano Navone in a five-set epic at the US Open.
The 39-year-old went down 7-6 (7-5) 5-7 4-6 6-2 6-1 to the world No 49 in a match that lasted four hours and 36 minutes.
It was the longest opening match of a Grand Slam in Djokovic’s career and the earliest exit at a major since the 2006 Australian Open.
Navone ended the Serbian’s bid for a fifth US Open title and a record 25th Grand Slam crown as he struggled with physical problems in oppressive humidity.
The Serbian was 42-12 in five-set matches, while Navone was 0-4 but Djokovic was unable to battle through as he struggled to move at times and vomited on multiple occasions.
With this defeat, the question now lingers as to whether this was Djokovic’s final match at this or any Grand Slam.
Djokovic made 70 unforced errors in a painful performance that ended minutes before midnight in New York.
He will fall out of the top 10 of the ATP rankings for the first time in eight years.
The US Open is live on Sky Sports from August 30. Stream tennis with no contract on NOW and the Sky Sports App. You can also watch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from 25-27 September live on Sky Sports.
