Upset in New York
Mariano Navone knocked Novak Djokovic out of the US Open in the first round. The Argentine won in four sets in a match that lasted more than three hours. Djokovic left the court in tears, and his future in tennis is now the subject of intense debate.
Navone came into the tournament as a qualifier ranked well outside the top 50. Djokovic arrived as a 24-time Grand Slam champion and one of the favorites. The gap on paper did not show on the court.
How Navone did it
Navone served well and returned with confidence. He broke Djokovic early in key sets and kept the pressure on with heavy forehands. When the match tightened, the Argentine stayed calm while Djokovic made unforced errors.
"This is the biggest win of my career," Navone said afterward. "I just tried to play my game and not think about who was across the net." The crowd at Flushing Meadows gave both players a long ovation as they left the court.
What's next for Djokovic
Djokovic, now 39, has struggled to match his past dominance this season. Injuries and a packed schedule have limited his preparation. He has won the US Open four times, but this early exit is his worst result at the tournament in years.
Analysts say the loss raises real questions about how many more majors he can win. Djokovic gave no clear answer about his plans, saying only that he needs time to think. Navone, meanwhile, advances to the second round with the biggest moment of his career already secured.