NEW DELHI: Novak Djokovic suffered a shock first-round exit on the US Open, shedding to Argentina’s Mariano Navone in a gruelling five-set match.The 39-year-old struggled with bodily issues and frustration all through the competition, ultimately shedding 7-6 (5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 after 4 hours and 36 minutes.Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, appeared removed from his greatest and made 70 unforced errors. He additionally reportedly vomited through the match and later appeared to undergo from cramps in his left foot.A health care provider gave him treatment, whereas his decrease again was massaged throughout a medical timeout.Regardless of taking early leads within the opening set, Djokovic couldn’t preserve his benefit. He recovered to win the second and third units, giving himself hope of finishing one other comeback. Nevertheless, Navone refused to again down.The defeat was Djokovic’s earliest US Open exit in 20 years and the primary time he had ever misplaced within the opening spherical of the match.Djokovic was visibly emotional through the match, with tears suggesting the second was about extra than simply bodily ache as he struggled by what becme a defining second in his profession.Watch:
Navone seals largest win
Navone, a 25-year-old Argentine who gained his first ATP singles title earlier this yr, stayed composed in opposition to one among tennis’ biggest gamers. Djokovic grew to become emotional through the match, together with his tears showing to replicate each bodily ache and the frustration of a tough night time.Reflecting on the event, Navone stated, “(It) was very powerful for me since you are taking part in with the ‘GOAT’ on this court docket,” stated Navone, who idolized Djokovic rising up. “For positive it’s the most effective factor I’ve had on court docket. That is a tremendous court docket and the largest stage. It’s wonderful, the way in which we play. I imply, 5 units. … I’m very glad. I don’t know. What can I say?”After securing the largest win of his profession, Navone added, “It’s unbelievable,” Navone stated. “This implies so much. It’s a dream come true.”The consequence has raised contemporary questions over whether or not Djokovic, who additionally misplaced within the first spherical in Cincinnati earlier this month, will return to the US Open or any Grand Slam once more.
