Arabic version: دجوكوفيتش يخسر أمام نافوني في افتتاح بطولة أميركا المفتوحة

According to ABC News, Novak Djokovic made his earliest exit from a major in 20 years after Argentine Mariano Navone defeated him 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in the first round of the US Open in New York. The four-time US Open champion, playing his 20th tournament appearance, had never previously lost in the opening round at Flushing Meadows.

The match on Arthur Ashe Stadium lasted almost four hours and 36 minutes and ended just before midnight local time. Djokovic, 39, was in physical discomfort for much of the contest, made 70 unforced errors and was overcome with emotion in the final set. He said he had been dealing with vomiting, cramping and pain, adding that his back and shoulder gave out late in the match.

Navone, ranked 49th, said beating Djokovic over five sets was “a dream come true”. Djokovic’s previous first-round loss at a major came at the 2006 Australian Open. He had arrived in New York with questions over his form and fitness after losing to Thiago Agustin Tirante in Cincinnati two weeks earlier.

Elsewhere, 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev beat France’s Hugo Gaston 6-4, 6-2, 6-4. Medvedev produced 34 winners, compared with 11 by Gaston, and will face either American wildcard Sebastian Gorzny or Belgium’s Raphael Collignon next.

Former US Open champion Marin Cilic and 2022 runner-up Casper Ruud withdrew because of injuries. Otto Virtanen replaced Cilic and was set to play 23rd seed Andrey Rublev, while Arthur Gea took Ruud’s place to face Juan Manuel Cerundolo. Ruud said his back injury had not recovered in time.