New York [US], August 31 : Argentina's Mariano Navone produced one of the biggest upsets in recent tennis history by defeating 24-time Grand Slam champion and Serbian legend Novak Djokovic in the first round of the US Open on Sunday.
Navone overcame the Serbian star 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in a marathon encounter at Arthur Ashe Stadium, ending Djokovic's long-standing record of advancing past the opening round of a major since the 2006 Australian Open, according to the ATP Website.
Despite Djokovic taking the third set and holding a strong record in five-set matches, the 39-year-old struggled physically throughout the contest. The Serbian battled movement issues during the four-hour, 36-minute match and was seen vomiting multiple times on court.
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Djokovic had opportunities to regain control after losing the fourth set, but Navone maintained his composure and dominated the deciding set to complete the biggest win of his career.
The Argentine, who had struggled on hard courts previously with a 12-29 tour-level record, held his nerve in the final moments. On match point, Navone chased down a drop volley and played the ball into the open court before sharing a warm exchange with Djokovic at the net.
Djokovic, a 101-time ATP title winner, also stopped to sign autographs for fans before leaving Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The defeat ended Djokovic's hopes of chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title at this year's US Open. His exit comes after World No. 1 Jannik Sinner withdrew from the tournament due to injury, while defending champion Carlos Alcaraz entered the event after a long break from competition.
Earlier, Daniil Medvedev registered a defated Hugo Gaston 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 in a two-hour and 14-minute match in the US Open first round. Into the second round for the eighth time in his US Open career, Medvedev will next face either American wild card Sebastian Gorzny or Raphael Collignon.