Argentine Mariano Navone produced the biggest victory of his career on Sunday night at the US Open, defeating Novak Djokovic in a gruelling five-set first-round match that lasted four hours and 36 minutes. The final score read 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in favour of the world No. 49. The result ended Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title and marked the 24-time major champion’s first opening-round loss at a major since the 2006 Australian Open.
Navone, speaking on court afterwards, struggled to find the words. “Five sets against the GOAT, it’s not something you do every day. I’m very happy,” he said. “It means a lot to me. It’s a dream come true.”
A Night of Physical Struggle for Djokovic
The match, played under the closed roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium, quickly became a test of endurance and resilience. Djokovic, the No. 4 seed and a four-time US Open champion, showed clear signs of physical distress. He vomited into a courtside bin during the third set and later appeared to struggle with a back issue that affected his serve. He finished the contest with 70 unforced errors, a high number for a player long known for his consistency and defensive excellence.
Djokovic started brightly, racing to early leads in the opening set. Yet Navone settled into the rallies, forced longer exchanges and claimed the first set on a tiebreak. Djokovic responded by taking the second set and then the third, even after the vomiting episode, to move within one set of victory. At that stage history heavily favoured the Serbian. He entered the match with a strong record in five-set contests, while Navone had never previously won a five-setter at tour level.
The momentum shifted decisively in the fourth set. Djokovic’s movement and serving deteriorated. Navone broke serve, controlled the baseline exchanges and closed the set 6-2. In the decider the Argentine maintained his intensity, breaking early and refusing to loosen his grip. Djokovic, visibly depleted, managed only one game as Navone sealed the upset just before midnight.
Navone’s Career-Defining Moment
For the 25-year-old from Argentina, the victory represented a clear career peak. Ranked outside the top 40 for much of his progression, Navone had already shown he could compete with strong players, yet he had never previously beaten a true all-time great on a Grand Slam stage. His hard-court record at tour level had been modest, making the performance under the lights of Ashe Stadium even more striking.
Navone’s game is built on solid baseline consistency, heavy topspin and a willingness to stay in long rallies. Those qualities proved decisive once Djokovic’s physical condition declined. In the final two sets Navone won a high percentage of points, capitalising on the mounting errors from the other side of the net. On match point he scrambled to retrieve a drop volley and redirected the ball into the open court, then met Djokovic at the net in a moment of mutual respect.
The win also carried historical weight. Djokovic had won 77 consecutive first-round matches at Grand Slam tournaments before this defeat. He had never previously lost in the opening round at the US Open. The loss means his pursuit of a 25th major title will now extend at least into 2027, should he continue competing at that level.
Context of Djokovic’s Campaign
At 39, Djokovic remains one of the most accomplished players in the history of the sport. His longevity and ability to compete deep into majors well into his late thirties have rewritten expectations for ageing champions. Yet nights such as this illustrate the fine margins that exist when physical issues intervene. The combination of illness, back discomfort and the relentless pressure applied by a motivated opponent proved too much on this occasion.
Djokovic was gracious in defeat, signing autographs on his way off the court despite the visible disappointment. The result leaves open questions about his immediate schedule and longer-term plans, though he has repeatedly demonstrated the capacity to recover from setbacks throughout his career.
What the Result Means Going Forward
For Navone the victory provides both ranking points and, more importantly, belief. Advancing to the second round of the US Open for a second consecutive year is valuable, yet the manner of the win—five sets against the player widely regarded as the greatest of all time—will resonate far longer. He will need to recover quickly and prepare for the next challenge, but he now carries the confidence that comes from succeeding on the biggest stage under the most demanding circumstances.
The upset also serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of Grand Slam tennis. Even the most decorated champions can be vulnerable on a given night, especially when fitness is compromised. Arthur Ashe Stadium has witnessed many memorable evenings; this five-set battle, decided under the lights and ending near midnight, now joins that list.
Navone left the court still processing the scale of the achievement. Five sets against the GOAT is not an everyday occurrence. For one Argentine player it became the defining night of his career so far, while for Novak Djokovic it marked a rare and painful early exit from a major he has conquered four times before.
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